










































































































; a . 

* ^ <r> % 



° ■%. 
o* rp * 

aV p x “ 

-n < 4 * * jA^V* A .< 




* «? 

o -o. * - a ^ ' + ^^ s ’ 

t • L J^ ♦ ^ A^ 0 0 H 0 4» ^ * n ^ 0 t I S 

- •' 4* +„ c° •* * 




•l^ 


<£* 

'\\y f 

. <. •.'^.■; t ,/\'•.... 

° ° * <*>* fvV . t» # ^ 

* fV i * °-> A v c 



+ v t>^ * 

<r .. % *o H 0 * 

V . * LVL% cv 

<p - 

• ^ c* 

- „ _ .-- A ^*V 

<£* • V 4 ^ 

“ - A 

«'"■♦ O <A* . 0 w G 










<a 'Jr 


j> ( y ,• 

. ... .< ‘«s$w -%. » 





- TU *0 * 0 

«5 ^ *., 

V • - 0 A 0 <£. •' 1 Ar ^ * * * 

A A> . v • o ^\ 4 > « • • t %-v 

^ A / ^ ^ ^ # >r V A 1. 

' t* -'i«i 0 * ^ :il'. 

-^Ei3^o A ^ °W@0v?* 



• A /,r > -* 

A <\ *'7VT< <6* 

o 0 " * * ^ 

> • r-T^VCV ^ «* "T 

% 



4 V ^ 

n V . t» . . ^ 

y sL/rt*? * 


* ’ 3 ^fc A ^ *** 

: ++■ 3 

: & °* : 

/ Jr .„ , „. 

Ar ^ * • - 0 5 ^0 

V t »*S. tT' 

v *Vav‘, -*>. .-&• 


& . •> • < 




^ ♦ 

W ° 

.<}> V * 

•‘ ** ‘. 8S-. . 

o, "O . * - A 


• *** 
* 

A' <> *'^*'.0* 

A C 0 " ® ♦ <*> (A ,!'• 

A •%^<\v J* *r Cr J 

s * «8^v. ^ * 0 <* 

• ^ Cr 




, ww .« V^jR* /°- V, 

> *0 ^ +j~&£is »* rA fv «> 

!*. *„*<>’ .0' S„* Ar <V *•■" 

cv *0 V *«•«- v> V 

A -fr V . 6 ^ • .A A «• Tj 


.♦ 




* A V ^. - 
♦* ^ * 



o ^ A * 


° 


**v 


- A ^ o 



* 4? °^> •j 1 

> AV r£* * __ _ 

v » <x *'T^* <CT o. 'o.,- A 

• _x^N\ ^P_ Cr <> A • 

*. ^6* ^o V s- ,° 



; * 50 * '.w§ov. 

> *' 1 * Ar * ® - 0 

^ V s s V!a 



<i> c o *« 


■%. ^ * 
V'V • 



, • X*r, A »j 















POPULAR WORKS 

PUBLISHED BY 

D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 

200 BROADWAY. 


IIANDY ANDY. By Samuel Lover. 
Price 50 cents. 

£ S. D. TREASURE TROVE. By 
Samuel Lover. Price 25 cents. 

FORTUNES OF HECTOR O’HAL- 
LORAN. By W, H. Maxwell. 
Price 50 cents. 

MARGUERETE DE VALOIS. By 
Alex. Dumas. Price 25 cents. 

HISTORY AND ADVENTURES 
OF MARGARET CATCHPOLE. 
By Rev. Richard Corbould. Price 25 
cents. 

THE PEOPLE. By M. Michelet. 
Price 38 cents. 

NARRATIVE OF THE EXPLOR¬ 
ING EXPEDITION TO OREGON 
AND CALIFORNIA. By Capt. 
Fremont. Price 25 cents. 

THE LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 
ZACHARY TAYLOR. By C. F. 
Powell. Price 25 cents. 

THE FOOL OF THE NINETEENTH 
CENTURY ; and other Tales. By 
H. Zschokke. Price 50 cents. 

MY UNCLE HOBSON AND I; or 
Slashes at Life. By P. Jones. Price 
50 cents. 

MEMOIRS OF AN AMERICAN 
LADY. By Mrs. Grant. Price 50 
cents. 

THE BETROTHED LOVERS. By 
Alex. Manzoni. 2 vols. Price $1. 


AMY HERBERT. A Tale, by Miss 
Sewell. Price 50 cents. 
GERTRUDE. By Miss Sewell. Price 
50 cents. 

LANETON PARSONAGE. By Miss 
Sewell. Price 50 cents. 

MARGARET PERCIVAL. ByMisf 
Sewell. 2 vols. $1. 

THE FAIRY BOWER. A Tale 

Price 50 cents. 

SOMETHING FOR EVERY BODY. 

By Rob’t Carlton. Price 50 cents. 
TWO LIVES; or To Seem and To Be 
By Miss McIntosh. Price 50 cents. 
AUNT KITTY’S TALES. By Miss 
McIntosh. 50 cents. 

PREVENTION BETTER THAN 
CURE. By Mrs. Ellis. Price 50 
cents. 

A VOYAGE UP THE AMAZON. 

By W. H. Edwards. Price $1. 

A SUMMER IN THE WILDER 
NESS. By Charles Lanman. Price 
50 cents 

LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER. By 
M. Michelet. Price 50 cents. 

HISTORY OF THE ROMAN RE 
PUBLIC. By M. Michelet. Price 
75 cents. 

HISTORY OF FRANCE. By M. 
Michelet. 2 vols. $3 50. 

HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION. By 
F. Guizot 4 vols. $3 50. 



rt—* 
















1 Atlantic H. 

2 D e Imonico ‘s 
STWarisionJIo, 

4 IB on iiecl Ware 
r («7i tdsons IT. 

°(Globe U. 
G'Binity Ch. 

7 Lift ’.'Hotel 

8 Croten 

9 Post Office 
LO i\us'tom Tfo, 
H Fr change 

12 7 V'WciPiL $ im k 

13 Z Z States Ho. 

14 HaOib i ms IT. 
\$. UnH k a?d JTo. 

imfcstct'tai. 
tf\o Chester Jl. 


16 .XLct'ch<i 'mipui 
ll.T'ranhWxm 
IS ID. Applecqi ilia 

1 Tublishinn Il(\ 
19-Amth'JSllitfei c 

22Amci 
23 JParN iMm ! 

2 4: L o V ‘ei f*fV'iff | (('I 1 1 / 

' 2 5 £&Tirol W. |u 
26 'L\ i)iii>\iii\y\h 
[27 aZn<2.?|r& 

28 C/ia*ml)n®i 
j 29-Bon’pfrkfSjfaSi 
130 

31 

32 rerafffljfflj J; 

33 (Tt'ciCl# CTO 


NEW-YORK 

AND 

BROOK LY IN jiUtc.&c 


h'onlVorh. 


rcimibjrrg’ fllaHi rfc pgoT 


(j [}^pf 

Tv 

'/ JUTJlp&lip rrr fnzis—-i 


tt&S 




'.ohoken Ferry JD55_$(y 


KevvYl\iv^ 
King's ton & P o'lodcpsv 


PBS 

WuAYVaV^R; 


All) am 


lit RJ 1 .D ep'o t pe£ 
.(lelpMali.il. D ep. 

ish Steam , 


rei 


. - ; \\\«i 

p aERiver link \TOjSn 

-Philad elnmU'S4 

'^-Lines rut Provi«&VVbv 
OUr P rioli inn v. V .\» 


References in 

BROOKLYN. 


avenue 


1 City JIaU Hen 1 

2 7? ro olklyn (7andei i 
3IB rookiviiTin u i le In&L 

4 Ch, ofth cITote Trinib 

5 Savings J? unit 

6 lyceian 

7 Gothic Mall 
Cong Is. Hank. 

■Mrooklvn T)? 

9 0 del-Cell o ws Ila l L 


B.C. t> owlii l g Or cm i 
tA.Market 
G- College 
OW.HtyHall 
H. Hospital 

T. Toinbs 
A .Arsenal 

S T J. St Ho Tens Park: 

R JiatQ ers Female-Ins 
U- Fnxvesity p, 

^J.VmudhxHZ Garcteit 'al 

U. S.Z7rtZ<?7a Sq. 

S.S •Stnyvescn it Sq. 

G. < rrarnnxercy Park 
M .S. AP cullso a Sq. 
P.Prot.Fpis. S'err it 


I m.rrrgu .fl r 


.Coin inlius 


LLjnr uJ- —_ £== 

FomuPvt maikhC^7 
^Wodl finiri 1.09J r~~~^ ‘ 


ss, cn they ear 1841 by W Williams in the Clerks Office vf thelistrict Court.,of the S outlier) district of Hew York 


Dr aumx & Rag! "by'AVrvVxDiaa-i: 



















































































































































RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION 


BEING A 


SraxulUrs’ (5uibc 


THROUGH 


NEW ENGLAND AND THE MIDDLE STATES, 


WITH 


ROUTES IN THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN STATES, 
AND ALSO IN CANADA. 

Forming, likewise, a Complele Guide to the White Mountains, Catskill 
Mountains, &c., Niagara Falls, Trenton Falls, &e., Saratoga Springs, 
and oilier watering-places ; with the places of fashionable and 
healthful resort; and containing full and accurate descrip¬ 
tions of all the principal cities, towns, villages, the 
natural and artificial curiosities in the vicinity of 
the routes, with distances, fares, &e. 

ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS MATS AND ENGRAVINGS. 



NEW-YORK: 

D. APPLETON & CO., 200 BROADWAY. 

PHILADELPHIA: 

GEO. S. APPLETON, 148 CHESNUT-STREET. 


MDCCCXLVII. 


£ / 5* s' 

• W 7 
y 


Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, 

BY W. WILLIAMS, 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Southern District of 

Nevv-York. 


NOTICE. 

The author claims the plan &c. of the present work, as his own ; and 
having been at great expense and trouble, and devoted much time to its 
production, he therefore respectfully cautions others interested in, or about 
getting up, similar works, not to infringe upon his copyright. 


4 8 65 5 5 

JUL 1 6 1942 








TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC. 


The want of a Guide such as the one here presented to 
the Travelling Public, has been so long felt and so generally 
acknowledged, that an apology for the present work would 
be an impeachment of the judgment of the intelligent Tour¬ 
ist ; for we are persuaded that a comparison of this with 
other similar publications, will establish its superiority as a 
Guide, over all other works ambitious of that distinction. 

In the preparation of this book, the old plan of filling the 
pages with Tables of Routes, that are as useless as they are 
uninteresting, and which, from their complexity, it is difficult 
to trace or to understand, has been discarded ; and instead 
of a General Map, the only one with which other Guides are 
provided—which, from the smallness of the scale on which it 
is graduated, is of very little practical use in a railroad car— 
and which, from its size, and the necessity of its being open¬ 
ed and re-opened, folded and re-folded, is extremely incon¬ 
venient in a crowded conveyance, as well as an annoyance 
to its posessor and his fellow passengers—for the present 
work, maps of the several routes have been engraved ; and 
where it is a long one, the route has been continued on 
another map, in such a way as to be easily understood—there¬ 
by obtaining a much larger scale for it. 

The distances (instead of being placed as formerly between 


2 


TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC. 


each town, thereby giving the Traveller the continual trouble 
of reckoning up) have been carried on in regular order, from 
the starting place—an arrangement that will be found far 
more convenient than the old one. 

Our “ Tours ” commence at Boston, not only because 
that city is the centre of a great railroad system, but also 
because it is the most convenient for our plan, enabling us 
at any time to add new information, or maps of new routes, 
without interfering with what is already done. 

With this book in his hand, the Traveller, as he proceeds 
on his journey in the railroad car, or glides along in the 
swift and graceful steamboat, can open to the route he is go¬ 
ing, and follow it through without trouble or inconvenience. 
The descriptive matter which follows the maps, will enable 
him to form a pretty accurate conception of the places through 
or by which he is so rapidly passing ; and when arrived in a 
large city, he has but to refer to the text under the name of 
the place, to find all the requisite information respecting 
hotels, &c., and the charges for boarding—places of amuse¬ 
ment—interesting localities in the vicinity, &c. &c. 

Having stated some of the original and more prominent 
features of the work, we submit it with confidence to the 
judgment of that class for whom it is more especially 
designed. 

The materials for this publication have been drawn from 
the most authentic sources ; much is the result of actual ob¬ 
servation ; and for a portion, we are indebted to friends 
resident in many of the sections described. 

It is our intention to publish, on the same plan, as soon as 
it can be prepared, a Work embracing the remaining por¬ 
tions of the country. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Origin and Progress of Railroads 
Boston (city of) .... 

Bridges . 

Harbor ..... 
Common . 

Wafer . . . . 

Wharves .... 

Churches .... 

Public Buildings . . . 

State House .... 

Custom House . 

Fanueil Hall .... 

Exchange .... 

Court House .... 
Massachusetts Hospital . . 

Massachusetts Medical College 
Harvard University . . 

Athenseum .... 
Lowell Institute . 

McLean Asylum 
Institution for the Blind 
Houses of Industry, &c. 

Fanueil Hall Market 
Hotels in Boston 

Theatres, &c. . . . . 

Boston Museum ... 

Missionary House . . . 

Natural History Rooms 

Places worth visiting 

Bunker Hill Monument, &c. ; 

Mount Auburn Cemetery . 

Fresh Pond .... 
Watering Places in the vicinity of Boston 
Nahant ..... 
Phillips Beach . 

Naniasket Beach 
Chelsea Beach 

Law relating to Hackney Coaches, &c. 
Distances in Boston . . 

Eastern Railroad 


Page 
. 13 

30 

• 31 

32 

• 32 

33 

• 34 

34 

• 35 

35 
. 35 

36 

• 37 

37 

• 37 

38 
. 38 

38 

• 38 

38 

• 39 

39 
. 39 

39 
. 40 

41 
. 41 

41 
. 41 

41 
. 42 

42 
. 42 

42 
. 44 

44 
. 44 

44 
. 45 

45 







TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


Lynn 

Salem .... 

Marblehead 
Danvers 
Beverley 
Wenham 
Ipswich 

Rowley .... 
Newburyport 
Salisbury Beach 
Seabrook 
Hampton Falls . 

Hampton 

“ Beach 

Great Boar’s Head . 

Isle of Shoals 
Rye Beach . 

Portsmouth 
South Berwick 
Saco . 

Portland 

Boston and Maine Railroad 
Somerville . . 

Malden 
Stoneham 
Spot Pond 
South Reading 
Reading 
Wilmington 
Andover 

Lawrence (new city) 

Bradford . , ( 

Haverhill 
Plaistow 
Exeter 

Dover .... 
Somersworth 
Great Falls 

Boston and Lowell Railroad 
East Cambridge . 

Medford . . 

Woburn 
Horn Pond 
Lowell 
Nashua 
Litchfield 
Manchester 
Concord 

The Northern Railroad, N. H. 

Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad 
White Mountains 

Notch in the White Mountains 
Willey House .... 


Page 
. 46 

46 

47 
47 
47 
47 
47 
47 

47 

48 
48 
48 
48 
48 
48 

48 

49 
49 
49 

49 

50 

51 
51 
51 

51 

52 
52 
52 
52 
52 
52 

52 

53 
53 
53 
53 
53 

53 

54 
54 
54 
54 

54 

55 
55 

55 

56 
56 

56 

57 

58 
60 
60 










TABLE OF CONTENTS 


5 


Routes to the White Mountains 
Portland Route , 

Dover Route 
Concord Route . 

Connecticut River Route 
Route up the Hudson River, &c. 

Fitchburg Railroad 
Charlestown 
Bunker Hill Monument 
United States Navy Yard 
State Prison 
West Cambridge 
Waltham 

Weston .... 

Concord .... 

Acton .... 

Harvard 

Groton .... 

Fitchburg 

Boston and Worcester Railroad 
Brighton 

Winship’s Garden 
Newton 
Needham 
Natick 
Framingham 
Hopkinton . 

“ Mineral Spring 
Grafton 
Worcester 

Western Railroad . 

Springfield 
U. S. Armory 
West Springfield 
Westfield 
Pittsfield 

Connecticut River Route 
Northampton 
Mts. Tom and Holyoke 
Greenfield 

Old Colony Railroad 
Dorchester 
Neponset Village 
Quincy 
Plymouth 

Fall River Route between 
Fall River 
Newport 

Route between Boston and 
Taunton 
New Bedford 
Boston and New-York Route, via Providence 
Roxbury ..... 


Boston and New-York 


New Bedford 


Page 
62 
62 
62 
63 
63 

63 

64 

65 
65 
65 
65 

65 

66 
66 
66 
66 
66 
67 
67 

67 

68 
68 
68 
68 
69 
69 
69 

69 

70 

70 

71 
74 

74 

75 
75 

75 

76 
76 

76 

77 
77 
77 

77 

78 

78 

79 

79 

80 
81 
81 
82 

and Stoninoton 83 
&3 









6 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


ND 


Brook Farm Phalanx .... 

Dedham ...... 

Canton ...... 

Sharon ...... 

Fox boro’and Wrantham . . . - 

Mansfield ...... 

Providence ...... 

Pawtuxet Village ..... 

Warwick ...... 

Stonington ..... 

Route from Boston to New-York, via Worcester and Nor¬ 
wich ..... 

Oxford .... 

Webster ...... 

Pomfret ...... 

Norwich ...... 

New London . —. 

Route from New-York to New Haven, Hartford, a 
Springfield ..... 

New Haven ..... 

Sachem’s Head .... 

Hartford ....... 

Route from New-York to Bridgeport, Ct., and the Hou 
tonic Railroad ..... 

Bridgeport ...... 

Cornwall ...... 

Canaan Falls .... 

Sheffield 

Monument Mountain .... 

West Stockbridge . . . . ’ 

The Hudson and Berkshire Railroad 
Routes to New Lebanon Springs 
New Lebanon .... 

New Lebanon Spring .... 

New-York City ..... 

Public Walks, Yards, &c. 

Churches, Public Buildings, &c. 

Literary Institutions .... 

Hotels, &c. . .... 

Places of Amusement .... 

Exhibition of the Fine Arts . . . 

Croton Water-Works 
Line of Steamboats 

Rates of Fare in New-York for Hackney Coaches, &c. 

“ “ Cabs 

Distance from City Hall .... 

Places in the Vicinity of New-York 
Wlliamsburg .... 

Astoria .... 

Flushing ..... 

Flatbush ..... 

Coney Island 
Fort Hamilton . 


Page 
84 


84 

84 

84 

84 

85 

85 

86 
87 

87 

88 
88 
88 
88 
88 
89 

91 

91 

93 

94 

97 

97 

98 
98 
98 
98 

98 

99 
99 

100 

100 

101 

104 

105 
109 
111 

113 

114 

114 

115 

117 

118 
118 
118 
119 
119 
119 
119 

119 

120 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 


7 


Rockaway Beach . 
Bloomingdale 
Staten Island 
New Brighton, &c. 

Ocean House, N, J. 

Long Branch 
Shrewsbury, &c. 

Brooklyn 

Public Buildings in Brooklyn 
Churches in “ 

U. S. Navy Yard 
U. S. Naval Lyceum “ 

Atlantic Dock . 

Greenwood Cemetery 
Long Island Railroad Route . 
Jamaica 

North Hempstead 
Riverhead 
Green port 
Gardiner’s Island 
Harlem Railroad 
Yorkville 
Harlem 

White Plains &c. 

New-York and Erie Railroad 
Ramapo 
Chester 
Goshen 
Otisville 

Passage up the Hudson 
Hoboken 
Weehawken 
Palisades 
Bull’s Ferry 
Fort Lee 
Fort Washington 
Spuyten Duyel Creek 
Phiilipsburg or Yonkers 
Hastings 
Dobb’s Ferry 
Piermont 
Tarrytown 
Nyack 
Sing Sing 
Verdritege’s Hook 
Haverstraw or Warren . 
Caldweli’s Island 
Peekskill , 

The Highlands 
Anthony’s Nose 
Buttermilk Falls 
West Point 
Cold Spring, &c. 


Page 
. 120 
120 
. 121 
. 121 
121 
. 121 
121 
. 122 
124 
. 124 

124 
. 125 

125 
. 126 

127 
. 128 

128 
. 129 

129 
. 129 

130 
. 131 

131 
. 131 

131 
. 133 
. 133 

133 
. 133 

134 
. 134 

135 
. 135 

135 
. 135 
135 
. 135 

135 
. 136 

136 
. 136 

136 
. 136 

136 
. 137 
138 
. 138 

138 
. 138 

139 
. 139 

139 
. 142 







8 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


Cornwall, Hudson River 
New Windsor 

Newburg .... 

Fishkill .... 

Low Point .... 

New Hamburg 

Barnegat .... 

Poughkeepsie 
New Paltz Landing 
Hyde Park . . , . 

Rondout .... 

Kingston Landing . 

Rhinebeck Landing 
Lower Red Hook, &c. 

Upper do. ... 

Saugerties .... 

Bristol ..... 

Catskill .... 

Catskill Mountains . . . 

“ Falls 

Hudson .... 

Coxsackie Landing 

Stuyvesant .... 

Kinderhook Landing 
New Baltimore . . . 

Greenbush 

Albany ..... 

Routes to Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs 
Troy and Greenbush Railroad 
Troy .... 

West Troy .... 

U. S. Arsenal 

The Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad 
Waterford 

Cohoes Falls .... 

The Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad 
Ballston Spa 

Saratoga Springs, &c. .... 

Congress Spring, &c. .... 

Routes from Saratoga to Montreal and Quebec 
Routes from Albany and Troy to Montreal and Quebec 
Stillwater .... 

Forts Miller and Edward 
Sandy Hill . 

Glen’s Falls .... 

Fort Anne .... 

Whitehall 

Grand Routes to the West from Albany and Troy to Buf¬ 
falo and Niagara Falls 
Schenectady 

Amsterdam .... 

Fonda .... 

Palatine Bridge 


Page. 

143 
. 143 
143 
. 143 
143 
. 143 

143 
. 143 

144 
. 144 

144 
. 144 

144 
. 144 
144 
. 144 

144 
. 144 

145 
. 146 

147 
. 147 

147 
. 147 

148 
. 148 

149 
. 151 

151 
. 152 

152 
. 153 

153 
. 153 

153 
. 154 

154 
. 155 

156 
. 157 
158 

158 
. 158 
. 159 

159 
. 159 

159 

160 
161 
161 
162 
162 







TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


9 


Canajoharie .... 


. 162 

Sharon Springs . ... . 


162 

Cooperstown .... 

. 

. 163 

Palatine .... 


163 

East Canada Creek .... 


. 163 

Little Falls .... 


164 

Herkimer ..... 


. 165 

Richfield Springs . . . . 


. 165 

Utica .... 


. 166 

Trenton Falls . . . . . 


167 

Whitesboro’ .... 


. 169 

Oriskany . 


169 

Rome ..... 


. 169 

Syracuse ..... 


169 

Skaneateles ..... 


. 170 

“ Lake . 


171 

Auburn ..... 


. 171 

“ State Prison . 


171 

Aurelius ..... 


. 172 

Cayuga Village . 


172 

“ Lake .... 


. 172 

Tthaca ..... 


. 173 

Seneca Falls Village . . . . 


173 

Waterloo ..... 


. 173 

Geneva . ... . 


174 

Seneca Lake .... 


. 174 

Canandaigua . . . . . 


175 

Burning Spring .... 


. 175 

Rochester . 


176 

Genesee Falls .... 


. 177 

Mount Hope Cemetery 


178 

Avon Springs .... 


. 178 

Lockport . 


179 

Buffalo ..... 


. 180 

Route from Buffalo to Chicago, via Detroit 

182 

Trip from New-York to Chicago, via Albany, 

Buffalo, and 

De- 

troit, via the Great Upper Lakes 


. 182 

Hotels in Detroit . . . . 


184 

“ “ Chicago .... 


. 184 

“ “ Milwaukie . . . . 


184 

From Chicago to Galena, Illinois 


. 184 

“ “ “ St. Louis . . . . 


184 

From St. Louis to New Orleans 


. 184 

Routes from Buffalo to Niagara Falls 


185 

Falls of Niagara . 


. 185 

Railroad Route from New-York to Philadelphia . 

193 

Bergen ..... 


. 194 

Paterson ...... 


194 

Passaic Falls .... 


. 194 

Jersey City ...... 


194 

Newark ..... 


. 195 

Morris and Essex Railroad 


196 

Morristown ..... 


. 196 






10 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


Schooley’s Mountain 

Elizabethtown 

Elizabethport 

Somerville 

Rahway 

New Brunswick 

Princeton 

Trenton 

Morrisville 

Bristol 

Andalusia and Holmesburg 

Bridesburg 

Port Richmond . 

Steamboat and Railroad Route 
Philadelphia 
New Brighton 
Sailors’ Snug Harbor 
Staten Island 


BETWE 


EN 


Page, 


197 

197 

197 

197 

198 
198 

198 

199 

200 
200 
200 
201 
201 


New- 


York 


and 


201 

202 

202 


202 


Sonth Amboy ...... . 202 

Bordentown ....... 202 

Philadelphia ....... . 203 

Public Squares ....... 206 

Fairmount Waterworks ...... 206 

United States Navy Yard ..... 207 

Public Buildings ....... 207 

Girard College ....... 208 

Merchants’ Exchange ...... 209 

United States Mint ...... 209 

Arcade ........ 210 

Custom House ....... 210 

Banks, &c. ....... 210 

Churches . . . . . . .211 

Benevolent Institutions ...... 212 

Pennsylvania Hospital ...... 212 

United States Marine Hospital, &c. .... 212 

Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb . . 212 

Literary and Scientific Institutions .... 213 

American Philosophical Society .... 213 

Philadelphia Library ...... 213 

Athenteum .213 

Franklin Institute ....... 213 

Academy of Natural Sciences ..... 214 

Mercantile Library ....... 214 

Apprentices’ Library ...... 214 

Historical Society ....... 214 

Friends’ Library . . . . . . c>14 

Medical Institutions....... 214 

University ....... 214 

Jefferson Medical College ...... 215 

Pennsylvania College . . . , . . 215 

College of Physicians ...... 215 

Medical Institute . . . . . 215 

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy ..... 215 







TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


11 


Prisons ..... 
Eastern Penitentiary • 

County Prison .... 

House of Refuge .... 

House of Correction 

Cemeteries ..... 
Laurel Hill . 

Momument Cemetery 
Ronaldson’s Cemetery 
Places of Amusement 
Places worth visiting 

Principal Hotels .... 

Rates of Fare for Hackney Coaches 
“ “ “ Cabs 

Places in the vicinity of Philadelphia . 
Camden ..... 

Woodbury .... 

Germantown .... 

Wissahickon Creek 
Falls of the Schuylkill 
Schuylkill Viaduct 

Manyunk ..... 

Cape May .... 

Brandywine Springs 
From Philadelphia to Harrisburg 
“ “ to Pittsburg, via Harrisburg 

“ “ to Pottsville, via Reading 

“ “ to Baltimore 

From Baltimore to Washington 
“ “ to Charleston 

From Charleston to New Orleans 
From Baltimore to Cumberland and Pittsburg 
“ “ to Columbia, Pa., by Railroad 

“ “ to the Virginia Springs 

Appendix ...... 

Steamships, Packetships, &c. 

Telegraph Lines ..... 

Money . .... 


Page. 

215 
. 315 

216 
. 216 

216 
. 216 
216 
. 217 

217 
. 217 

218 
. 218 

218 
. 219 
220 
. 220 
220 
. 220 
221 
. 221 
221 
. 221 
222 
. 222 
222 
. 222 
223 
. 223 

223 
. 223 

224 
. 225 

225 
. 225 

227 
. 227 
230 
. 233 










Amlierst 


ene 


M O N Tj 

^BKATTLEK OK 0 
U3 A'. US 

/ Cha rlemont 


fxwillian. 


rpj naxu rj&L Lavyr^jariBg 


SP.'X’or 


b Nortli 

aft 19 ‘ 


Williams 


orGiiTeul 


I iri'sh‘1 


yrVvY7v/>^/^ 

1,200 


X./W3E 


'Wifu/r^ 

lexim? 


CrREEXEIETM), 


l ITckBtKJit 


O'bh'hi’Oti 'I 

FfOAK co. 


OfB,(A 


V to E Soj'< , i,{villrJr' 
I ^7, 

lg \ f l r rai)!inahi}ri^ p. 


. , J&ndfttiioc 


M p 

, 18 , 
rhamo] 
t ouf 


1 -0 <~ 1 rf-l 

IlaSrUvic^ 4 

r^- ( [\ 0 

> twiztoks'E 


euoxi 


cJ'/intbii 


Cajrski 


GtB<jr& J ^ 
^7ty Ton \W*£fiel 


jnrv 


'nr^hrirU 


{toy town 


on# < /y / ‘itliji 


\GFrrrrd (S 
m 1 




IShetti 

gQO.— 


Km&eiEij) 


Bost(onipomer 


Gdaiiln 


talfftn'd 


f TaaiaUvii' 


?/* / nebeck x§/j 




uoW 

B A 


/i Bro(j 

7 1vn] 

\fAsbm 


Dover ^ 

;kke^p^; 


IGre^kr^rcfe 

i K E N T'C 

1 WieJcTnS 


[ V mroUijfrfy 

>L , ' 

j f^oain/oiT^ 

i ss 

If(acUl*iniy ^ JmakHfyttJi W 

£ ^ \>A -4Mk n .v 1 O0°N ikv 

•X o' V zvEirWj 

J <? ) /.OV/>-Wi8 * 

’iskerV 1 
v r ni' ForA- 


<'Tl ] \/? r?vf t> 




\ 7 \Xen<Ajfltbr'<i. 


'.ir/rr 


X7rt?r bur\ 


llWtolkfiMa 

y kX 

F Da.nlftcrx' 


Wst 

i’oint 


Canne 


TON 


hibntuk 


■Judith. 


'NANTUi 




Sing Sing .s’ 


Conut$ r Map of t]ic 
SOUTHERN 

IM EW ENGLAND STATE 

Siiowintlie Railro cul s 
and their corui&ctioTi with tin 
CITIES OF 


[Mia®?* 


tone 


with: distances 


> 

ToiipTtude Fast 


from W r asli±rLg*ton 

































f 





* 











s 


9 










» 




















































RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT 
COMPANION. 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 

Before steam navigation had attained that degree of per¬ 
fection it now exhibits, a not less wonderful mode of travel¬ 
ling by steam-power on land had come into use. Since the 
commencement of the present century, far greater improve¬ 
ments have been made in the means of locomotion, and 
brought into practical operation for the benefit of mankind, 
than had ever before been known. 

The first railway of which we have any satisfactory notice, 
was one constructed near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, 
about the middle of the 17th century. It was adopted in 
order to reduce the labor of drawing coals from the pits to 
the places of shipment, and consisted simply of pieces ot 
wood imbedded in the ordinary road. These tracks presented 
a much smoother surface for the wheels to run on, than was 
previously used, and therefore greatly increased the available 
power of the horses. The advantages of even this kind of 
railroad were so great as to cause its extensive introduction 
in various ^lining districts; while improvements, from time 
to time, were made upon it. 

2 



14 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


This description of road continued in use for a century and 
a half without any important step being taken for the intro¬ 
duction of a more durable material. Some stone-ways, it is 
true, were constructed for similar purposes, but, although pos¬ 
sessing some advantages, they were not as smooth as wood. 
The next material improvement was the use of cast-iron 
plates fixed upon the wooden rails—the result rather of for¬ 
tuitous circumstances than of premeditation, notwithstanding 
the well-known effect of iron -in diminishing resistance. 
This was first tried upon a wooden railroad at the Cole- 
brook Dale iron-works in Shropshire, Eng., about the year 
1767. In consequence of the price of iron becoming very 
low, and in order to keep the furnaces at work, it was deter¬ 
mined to cast bars which might be laid upon the wooden 
rails, and in case of a sudden rise in the price, taken up and 
sold as “ pigs.” This plan was first suggested by Mr. Wil¬ 
liam Reynolds, the gentleman who erected at Colebrook 
Dale the first iron bridge in England. The plates of iron 
were five feet in length, four inches broad, and a quarter of 
an inch thick, with three holes in each for nailing to the 
wood. 

The introduction of malleable iron as a material for rails 
is an improvement which may perhaps be considered to 
have done more than any other in preparing railroads for 
becoming the principal highways of a commercial country. 
The brittleness of cast-iron rendered it necessary that the 
rails should be made of much greater strength than was suf¬ 
ficient to bear ordinary loads, that they might be able to 
resist accidental strains and shocks. So long as the travel¬ 
ling was restricted to a low rate of speed, the accidents and 
delays thus occasioned were of minor importance ; but the 
difficulty of guarding against them would no doubt have 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


15 


greatly retarded the use of railways for the conveyance of 
passengers, if an adequate remedy had not been provided be- 
fore the experiment was made. 

Bars of malleable iron were laid down as rails to a limited 
extent about the year 1808, and some engineers advocated their 
use, notwithstanding the inconvenience arising from their un¬ 
suitable form ; no machinery being then used by which they 
could be made economically in any other than a square or 
flat form. The desire to introduce a more durable rail led 
also to experiments on the combination of wrought and cast 
iron ; but these and all similar contrivances were superseded 
in 1820 by the invention of an efficient and cheap method of 
rolling iron bars suitable for rails and other purposes. Mal¬ 
leable rails, when in use, do not rust to any material extent, 
while the same rails, if lying on the ground beside the track, 
rapidly waste away. 

Animal power was the only means of locomotion originally 
employed on railways to any considerable extent; but the 
purpose to which it was applied, was simply that of conveying 
mineral produce to a place of shipment, somewhere in the 
neighbourhood. 

An ingenious contrivance was introduced in the latter 
part of the last century for ascending and descending decliv¬ 
ities. When a declivity occurs steeper than is convenient 
for the ordinary power, a self-acting inclined plane is some¬ 
times resorted to ; on which a train of carriages is allowed 
to run down by the force of gravity, drawing a rope, which, 
after passing round a wheel at the top of the plane, is con¬ 
ducted down the slope and attached to an empty train—the 
force of the descent of the loaded vehicles being sufficient to 
cause the empty train to run up to the top of the plane. Sta¬ 
tionary steam-engines, which draw the carriages by means of 


16 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


ropes guided by pulleys in the centre of the track, have been 
used from an early period. 

The following is a brief notice of the steps by which the 
locomotive engine has been brought to its present state of 
comparative perfection. 



The possibility of applying the steam-engine to the purposes 
of locomotion was conceived by several of its earliest improv¬ 
ers, but it does not appear that any carried their ideas into 
practice until about the year 1802. Richard Trevithick and 
Andrew Vivian, two Cornish engineers, the inventors of the 
high-pressure steam-engine, were the first who applied steam 
as a locomotive power. Watt, in 1784, first conceived the 
idea that two persons might probably be carried by an en¬ 
gine having a cylinder seven inches in diameter, and a foot- 
stroke, the piston moving at the rate of one hundred and 
twenty feet or sixty strokes per minute. This scheme, how¬ 
ever, was never put into practice. 

















































ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


17 


In the year 1804, Trevithick and Vivian constructed an 
engine for moving railway carriages. This was the first 
steam-engine applied to locomotive purposes in Britain. It 
was used successfully on the railroad at Merthyr Tydvil, in 
South Wales, and thereby proved the practicability of their 
plan. The foregoing engraving represents a front and side 
view of this machine. 

This locomotive engine, which in many of its leading 
features was essentially the same as those now in use, at its 
first trial drew as many wagons as carried ten tons of bar- 
iron, and a considerable number of persons, travelling at the 
rate of five miles an hour. The “ tender,” carrying a supply 
of fuel and water, and a small force-pump, worked by the 
machine itself, maintained the requisite quantity of water in 
the boiler. 

It is doing no more than justice to state that to these gen¬ 
tlemen belongs the merit of having first successfully applied 
the steam-engine for locomotive purposes, and that those 
who reaped the subsequent benefit, did so, merely from the 
seed they had sown. 

Messrs. Trevithick and Vivian also invented steam-coaches 
for running upon common turnpike roads, but not receiving 
the encouragement they deserved, they abandoned the en¬ 
terprise. 

In 1827, Mr. Goldsworthy Gurney obtained a patent for a 
steam-carriage, and in 1829 had brought it to such perfection 
that he was enabled to ascend with it the highest hills round 
London, and travelled from London to Bath, a distance of 
107 miles, and back. In 1831, one of his steam-carriages 
ran about four months on the road between Gloucester and 
Cheltenham. The success of Mr. Gurney’s steam-carriage 
led to the formation, in Scotland, about the year 1834, of a 


18 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


steam-carriage company for turnpike roads. The carriages 
commenced plying regularly between Glasgow and Paisley, 
when an unfortunate accident occurred, in 1835, attended 
with considerable loss of life, from the explosion of one of 
the boilers. After this disaster, all attempts to introduce 
steam-carriages on public roads proved abortive. 

In 1811 Mr. Blenkinsop patented a locomotive engine, in 
which the power was applied to a large cogged wheel, the 
teeth of which entered a rack laid down beside the ordinary 
rails. Patents were taken out in 1816 and 1817, by George 
Stephenson, in connection with Messrs. Dodd and Losh, un¬ 
der which several locomotives were constructed and brought 
into practical operation upon colliery railways near New- 
castle-upon - Tyne. 

There can be no doubt but that the idea of the construc¬ 
tion of the Liverpool and Manchester railway originated 
with the late Mr. William James, four years before the act 
of Parliament was obtained, which was in 1826. To this 
gentleman we are indebted for the present system of rail¬ 
ways. He, however, (as is usual in such cases,) never reaped 
any benefit from his valuable suggestions. 

To him likewise is due the projection of the London and 
Birmingham railway. He had witnessed the operations of 
the locomotive engines around Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and 
imparted his sentiments to Mr. Saunders of Liverpool, which 
so deeply impressed that gentleman with the feasibility of 
applying this plan of railway traction, that he had a survey 
of the road made at his own expense. 

When the projectors of the Liverpool and Manchester rail¬ 
way were engaged in the design and execution of that great 
work, the advantages of locomotive steam-engines were so 
imperfectly developed, that it was uncertain whether they 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


19 


would be adopted. The experiment of forming a railway 
for passengers, as well as for carrying general menchandise, 
had scarcely been tried, although the Stockton and Dar¬ 
lington Railway, which was opened in the fall of 1825, had 
done more than any of its predecessors in showing the capa¬ 
bilities of a railway for such a use. As the Liverpool and 
Manchester line approached completion, the directors became 
convinced that horse-power was ineligible, since it was in¬ 
tended to aim at considerable velocity. It was difficult to 
decide upon the comparative merits of stationary and loco¬ 
motive engines. Various suggestions were made for the ap¬ 
plication of fixed engines at intervals along the line, to draw 
trains by ropes from station to station ; but it was eventually 
determined to use locomotives, and to offer a premium of 
JC500 for the best which would fulfil certain conditions, of 
which some were—that it should not emit smoke, (the nui¬ 
sance of smoke was prevented by the employment of coke as 
fuel, which is used at the present time upon most of the rail¬ 
ways in England)—should draw three times its own weight 
at the rate of ten miles per hour—should be supported on 
springs, not exceeding six tons weight, or four tons and a 
half if on only four wheels—and should not cost more than 
.£550. The trial was fixed for October, 1829, when four 
steam locomotives were produced, one of which was with¬ 
drawn at the commencement of the experiment. The Sans 
Pared, by Mr. Hackworth, was very similar to Trevithick’s 
engine, but had two cylinders, both working the same axle. 
This engine attained a velocity of fifteen miles per hour with 
a gross load of nineteen tons, but at length gave way, owing 
to a trifling accident. The remaining engine, the Rocket, 
was constructed by Messrs. Stephenson and Booth, of the 
Liverpool and Manchester railway. It travelled with a gross 


20 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


load of seventeen tons, and averaged a speed of fourteen 
miles per hour; but under some circumstances it attained 
double that velocity, and succeeded in performing more than 
was stipulated for. The following engraving represents a 
side view of the “ Rocket.” 



Since the successful adoption of locomotive steam-engines 
on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, improvements 
have followed closely upon one another, but they have chiefly 
been of a minor character, when compared with that of tubing 
the boiler, which formed the distinguishing feature of the 






































ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


21 


Rocket engine. Stephenson built several engines, shortly af¬ 
ter the competition in which the Rocket had proved victoriouSj 
retaining this arrangement, but having the machinery dis¬ 
posed in a different manner. The power of generating 
steam, which is the measure of efficiency in a locomotive 
engine, depends much upon judicious tubing, it being desira¬ 
ble to deprive the heated air of its caloric as completely as 
possible before leaving the boiler. An important feature in 
a locomotive is its security from bursting, because, as the 
tubes are much weaker than the external casing of the boiler, 
they are almost certain to give way first, and the bursting of 
one or two tubes is rarely productive of more serious conse¬ 
quences than extinguishing the fire, and thereby causing a 
gradual stoppage of the machine. 

On the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, 
15th Sept., 1830, the problem of the rapid transport of pas¬ 
sengers by steam on railways was solved, and the profitable 
character of the enterprise soon became apparent. 

This road was commenced under the direction of Mr. 
George Stephenson, an engineer of great practical skill and 
experience ; and fortunate indeed it was for Great Britain and 
1 the world, that a work of such vast importance was placed 
in such able hands. Had this great enterprise failed, there 
is no knowing how long the progressive spirit of the age 
would have slept upon this important subject, and the world 
been deprived, at least for a time, of its vast benefits. The 
projectors of this great work had immense opposition to strug¬ 
gle against. The powerful canal companies—which had 
settled down into odious monopolies, disregardful of the pub¬ 
lic weal—had, by exorbitant exactions and negligence of duty* 
aroused the people to the necessity of this great undertaking, 
and after a deadly opposition to it in the British Parliament 
of four years, the company at last obtained a charter. 


oo 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


The great system of internal communication now going 
forward in Great Britain, forms under various points of view 
a singular example in the history of public works. “ Their 
stupendous magnitude, and the many novel works of art 
upon them, are scarcely so remarkable as the rapidity of 
their execution, the amount of capital they have absorbed, and 
the still more enormous amount of capital they have created.” 

In 1844 there were in England 1900 miles of railway 
communication in full operation, and the number of passen¬ 
gers that travelled over them exceeded thirty millions. In 
1845, 300 miles of new railway were opened for traffic ; and 
acts were passed sanctioning projects for the further con¬ 
struction of 1800 miles of railway—making a total, to De¬ 
cember, 1845, of 4000 miles. This year (1845) the passen¬ 
ger service was equivalent to five hundred millions of people 
travelling one mile. 

The following calculation, with its extraordinary result of 
railway travelling, is from the Edinburgh Review. 

" One hundred horses working in a coach would carry 
twenty-five passengers per day one hundred miles. Omitting 
fractions, the number carried in the year would be 10,000, 
which would be equivalent to a million carried one mile. 
Such a coach, worked by a hundred horses, would take 500 
years to execute the passenger traffic of the railways in 
1844-5. In doing this, it would travel a distance equal to 
fifteen hundred times the circumference of the globe. The 
locomotive engines, therefore, employed in drawing passen¬ 
ger trains that year, performed the work of 50,000 stage¬ 
coach horses.” 

The writer then proceeds to calculate the saving, first, in 
fare, 2£d. per head per mile ; secondly, in time, 6d. per hour ; 
thirdly, in tavern expenses, 2d. per 100—making a total sav¬ 
ing of— 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


23 


In fare.£5,280,215 

In time. 1,140,526 

In tavern expenses. 506,900 

£6,927,641 

The saving is thus double the sum paid as railway fare, 
even under a complete system of monopoly. 

Upon the railways in England locomotives attain a great 
speed, owing, perhaps, to the substantial manner in which 
the roads are built. Trains on the Great Western Railway 
have gone 194 miles in three hours and thirty-eight minutes, 
at the same time drawing sixty tons weight. Deducting 
thirty-two minutes for stoppages, it gives a rate of speed 
equal to about sixty-four miles per hour. The usual* time, 
however, for performing this distance is four and a half hours, 
including stoppages, with a train of forty freight-cars, which 
is drawn with perfect ease. 

Formerly it took two hours to perform the journey between 
Edinburgh and Glasgow, a distance of forty-six miles. The 
road is now gone over by the mail trains in an hour and a 
quarter. The usual rate of travel upon the English rail¬ 
ways, of “ swift trains,” is fifty miles per hour, including 
stoppages. 

One of the greatest feats ever performed by a locomotive 
was undoubtedly that by one built by Mr. Norris of Philadel¬ 
phia, which drew a train of 158 iron coal-wagons , weighing 
1268 tons, a distance of eighty-four miles in eight hours and 
three minutes. Trains in the United States are sometimes 
seen of great length. One was observed passing over the 
Western Railroad between Boston and Albany, last winter 
(1847), which was three-fourths of a mile in length. 

The London and Greenwich Railway passes through a sea 






24 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


of houses, and for nearly four miles is constructed on a con¬ 
tinued series of arches, forming one vast viaduct from one 
end to the other. There are not less than 878 brick arches, 
chiefly semi-circular, eighteen feet span and twenty feet high. 

The Blackwall Railway, three miles and 843 yards long, 
is another gigantic work. On it there is a viaduct of 4020 
yards, containing 285 arches, chiefly semi-elliptical, of thirty 
feet span. 

As soon as the practicability of railroads for passenger 
traffic had been determined on in England, many persons 
in this country immediately foresaw the immense advantages 
that were to accrue from the adoption of that system here, 
and measures were at once taken to plant the “ iron road” in 
America. The progress was rapid, and in a few years a very 
extensive system was entered into. The first railway con¬ 
structed in the United States was the Quincy in Massachusetts, 
in the year 1827, which was four miles in length. It was built 
for the purpose of conveying granite quarried in the Granite 
Hills to vessels lying in the Neponset River. 

The first railway for the conveyance of passengers, in this 
country, was one opened in 1833, connecting Newcastle, 
on the Delaware River, with Frenchtown, on Elk River, 
which runs into Chesapeake Bay. This was on the route 
between Philadelphia and Baltimore. About the same time 
one was in progress between Amboy and Bordentown, New 
Jersey, the first road upon which a locomotive was used in 
in this country. The Boston and Providence Railroad re¬ 
ceived its charter in 1831, and was opened on the 4th day of 
June, 1834. Since that period railroads have extended with 
even greater rapidity in this country than in England, and 
no doubt a few years more will witness a more extensive 
system of railway communication in the United States than 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


25 


the most sanguine ever dreamed of. At the present time 
there are about 5000 miles completed, and many thousands 
more projected. In the construction of these great avenues 
of intercourse, the enormous capital of one hundred and 
thirty millions of dollars has been expended. 

The principal theatres of railway enterprise in America 
are in the New England States, (Massachusetts particular¬ 
ly,) New-York, and Pennsylvania ; great progress is being 
made in several of the other States, but mostly in those bor¬ 
dering on the Atlantic seaboard. From Boston there is a 
direct line of railway communication with Buffalo, on the 
west, via Albany, a distance of 563 miles, and before long it 
will be extended to the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, a 
further distance of about 500 miles ; and from thence by 
steamboat across the lake to Chicago. The Central Rail¬ 
road in Michigan will, in a short time, extend from De¬ 
troit, wholly across the State. Detroit will be connected 
with Buffalo by the Canada Railroad, which, with the Sus¬ 
pension Bridge below the Falls of Niagara, (over which the 
r oad is to be carried,) will soon be constructed. Boston will 
also be connected with Montreal in Canada by the Northern 
Road via Concord, which is to extend to Lebanon on the Con¬ 
necticut River ; from thence it will join the Vermont Central 
Railroad to Burlington on Lake Champlain, and thence by 
steam, on the lake, to St. John’s, where it will meet the rail¬ 
road to La Prairie on the St. Lawrence, and by a bridge 
thrown across the river, or by tunnel under it, will connect 
with Montreal. 

Railroads already connect Boston with Portland, and one 
projected, and partly commenced, is to unite Portland with 
Montreal on the St. Lawrence River. The metropolis of 
New England is connected with New-York by several lines 


26 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


terminating on Long Island Sound ; by the New Haven and 
New-York road, now building; by-the Long Island road from 
Greenport to Brooklyn ; and by steamboats running on the 
Sound. 

The great commercial emporium of the United States will, 
in a year or two, be connected with Albany by roads now 
being constructed, and with Dunkirk on Lake Erie by the 
New-York and Erie Railroad. When these great works are 
completed, she will have the same advantages for securing her 
portion of the trade of the great West that accrued to Boston 
from the opening of the Western Railroad. When the road 
from Syracuse to Oswego on Lake Ontario is built, with the 
Saratoga and Whitehall Railroad to the foot of Lake Cham¬ 
plain, and all the advantages of her roads become demon¬ 
strated by practical benefits conferred on her, New-York will 
then wonder, how it was she allowed such immense ad¬ 
vantages for extending and facilitating her intercourse and 
trade to lie unimproved so great a length of time. 

Philadelphia, by her Central Railroad, will be united with 
Pittsburgh, 336 miles: the road as far as Harrisburg, 108 
miles, is already built. It i& intended, ultimately, to connect 
it with Cincinnati on the Ohio River; and another road, yet 
to be built, will connect this growing city with St. Louis, on 
the Mississippi River. Philadelphia will then have a direct 
communication by steam with New Orleans. Another link 
of road, that will add greatly to the prosperity of Phila¬ 
delphia, will be the route (already surveyed) from that city 
to Erie, on the lake of the same name. These great works 
will, no doubt, be undertaken and carried through before 
many years. 

“ The State of Pennsylvania is indeed the Keystone of the 
Union—the body of America. While one arm rests on the 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


27 


Atlantic, she lays the other on the Ohio, and her hand plays 
with the waters of the lake. Within her hills is stored the 
fuel of ages, and iron, the world’s civilizer, to bind the conti¬ 
nent, and insure the stability of this great government: Erie, 
her outlet on the lake ; Pittsburgh the head of the great 
eastern branch of the mighty valley; and Philadelphia, not 
only the beautiful city of the plain, but destined to be the 
leading city of the North, a city worthy so great a State.” 

From Baltimore run two great arteries north and south, 
the former terminating in the State of Maine, 506 miles, and 
the latter at Wilmington, North Carolina, 420 miles. From 
these at Baltimore issues a branch, proceeding west¬ 
ward, towards the Alleghany range ; at present, however, it 
is completed only as far as Cumberland, on the Potomac 
River, 180 miles, to the foot of the ridge, which is at that 
point crossed by an excellent Macadamized road, on which 
stage coaches run. It is, however, intended to continue this 
road to some point on the Ohio River, whence communica¬ 
tion is carried on, by steamboats, to the point where its 
waters are received by the Mississippi. 

In the foregoing an attempt has been made to show, 
although only in part, and briefly, the artificial avenues by 
which the communication between the large cities on the 
seaboard and the interior of the country is, and will ulti¬ 
mately be carried on. Besides these, there are innumerable 
navigable rivers, extensive canals, and good common roads, 
whereby the commerce of the country is greatly facilitated. 

The subject of railroads is occupying great attention in 
continental Europe. Belgium was the first State, after Great 
Britain, that moved energetically in the matter ; four differ¬ 
ent lines, 348 miles in length, have been constructed, at the 
expense of the government, and the results of the first year 


28 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


after their opening, fully justified the policy which had dic¬ 
tated their construction. A secondary system of lines, 
about 200 miles, to communicate with the inferior towns, has 
been commenced under the authority of the State, by private 
companies. If we consider the limited extent of the territory 
of Belgium, this is one of the greatest works of public utility 
that has yet been performed. 

In 1842 the French government resolved that a system of 
railways should be planned and executed ; with this view, 
it was determined that from Paris as a centre, main branch 
lines should issue, to be directed to those points of the 
frontiers, by land and sea, that should best serve the pur¬ 
poses of foreign commerce. In 1844 there were 537 miles 
of railway opened to the public, absorbing a capital of $57, 
320,000 ; in progress of construction 1837 miles, and 961 
miles projected. When these are completed the total length 
will be 3335 miles, requiring the enormous capital of $355, 
977,900. Most of the railways in France have been under¬ 
taken by the government, and when completed, are leased 
for a term of years to companies, or individuals, on comply¬ 
ing with certain conditions. At the expiration of 40 years, 
they will revert again to the government, and in about 90 
years private companies will cease to exist, except such as 
the government may think fit to re-constitute. 

In Austria there are about 700 miles of railway completed, 
and open for business, and nearly 2000 more in progress. 

In Prussia 701 miles are open for traffic ; but the total 
length planned and in actual progress is 1063 miles. Of 11 
principal lines, 600 miles in length, opened in 1845, the cost 
of building was upwards of $28,000,000. 

Russia has also laid out a very extensive system of rail¬ 
way communication: by continuous routes, she will connect 


ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF RAILROADS. 


29 


all the chief cities of central Europe, the total length of 
which will be 1600 miles. 

The average cost of railways in the United States and 
Europe, per mile, including purchase of lands, construction, 
materials, depots, salaries, and every appendage and appur¬ 
tenance, is as follows, in round numbers, omitting fractions. 
In Massachusetts $36,000 ; the other Eastern States $24, 
000 ; New-York $26,000 ; New Jersey and Pennsylvania 
$40,000 ; Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana $11,000.* In Eng¬ 
land $175,000; Belgium $80,000; France $107,500 ; 
Germany 40,000 (owing to the low price of labor and land) ; 
and Prussia $47,000. 

Twenty years ago, who could have foreseen the rapid 
strides that railway communication was destined to make, 
and in so brief a period 1 The spirit and enterprise of nations 
seem to have been completely aroused to the necessity of con¬ 
structing these “ gigantic works of peace.” The ingenuity 
and skill that have been displayed in carrying out many of 
these designs is beyond all things astonishing, but their great 
utility and rapid extension are owing to the invention of an 
efficient impelling force ; for without a prime mover, of how 
little practical utility the iron system for passenger traffic 
would really have been, is at once ascertained by contrasting 
the railways of a former period with those in operation at 
the present time. 

* The small cost comparatively of the roads South and West is owing 
to the nature of the country, and the imperfect workmanship bestowed 
upon them. 


3 


30 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 



BOSTON. 

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, and metropolis of 
New England, is situated on a peninsula at the western 
extremity of Massachusetts Bay. It is in North Latitude 
42° 21' 23", and West Longitude 71° 4' 9", and contains a 
population of 115,000. 

The peninsula upon which Boston is built, is nearly three 
miles in length, with an average breadth of one mile, with 
numerous elevations from fifty to one hundred and ten feet 
above the sea, affording admirable sites for building, and 
giving to it a peculiarly fine appearance, especially when 
viewed from the water. The Indian name of Boston $vas 
Shawmut, but it was called by the first settlers Trimountain, 










BOSTON. 


31 


from the three hills on which the city is built. It was incor¬ 
porated in February, 1822. 

Boston is connected with the surrounding country by 
means of artificial avenues or bridges, and with Roxbury by 
the Neck which forms the peninsula upon which the city is 
built. It is connected with East Boston (formerly Noddle’s 
Island) and Chelsea by means of steam ferry-boats, which 
ply at regular intervals during the day. The bridges are 
among the greatest curiosities of the place, being so different 
from any thing of their kind elsewhere ; and their great 
length, with the fine views they afford, render them objects 
of interest to strangers. Boston is connected with Charles¬ 
town by the Charles River or old Charlestown Bridge , and by 
Warren Bridge. The former was incorporated in March, 
1785, and is 1503 feet in length, 42 in breadth, and cost up¬ 
wards of $50,000. Warren Bridge was incorporated in 
March, 1828; its length is 1390 feet, breadth 45. A toll 
was formerly collected from all who passed over these 
bridges, but this was abolished a few years since, on their 
becoming State property. West Boston Bridge , leading 
from the foot of Cambridge-street to Old Cambridge, was 
opened in November, 1793. It rests upon 180 piers, and, 
including causeway and abutments, is 6190 feet in length. 
This bridge was sold to a company in June, 1846, for $75,000, 
who have twelve years allowed for raising the same by tolls, 
the interest of which is to keep the bridge in repair. Cra- 
gie’s or Canal Bridge, from the foot of Leverett-street to 
Lechmere Place, in East Cambridge, was opened in August, 
1809 : its length is 2796 feet, width 40. From this bridge 
extends a branch to Prison Point, Charlestown, the length 
of which is 1820 feet, width 35 feet. The Mill Dam, or 
Western Avenue, opened in July, 1821, extends from the 


32 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

foot of Beacon-street to Sewell’s Point in Brookline; it is 
constructed in a substantial manner of stone and earth, and 
is a mile and a half long, and from 60 to 100 feet in width. 
It encloses about 600 acres of flats, over which the tide for¬ 
merly flowed. A cross dam divides this enclosure, which, 
by the aid of flood and ebb gates, forms a receiving basin, 
thereby producing, at all periods, a great extent of water 
power. The cost of this work was about $700,000. Bos¬ 
ton Free Bridge, from Sea-street to South Boston, com¬ 
pleted in 1828, is 500 feet long and 38 wide. South 
Boston Bridge, leading from the “ Neck” to South Boston, 
was opened in July, 1805. Length 1550 feet, width 40: 
cost $50,000. These bridges are all lighted with lamps. 
Besides the above, the river is crossed by several railroad 
bridges or viaducts. 

Boston Harbor contains many islands, some of which are 
of great beauty: it is safe, and capacious enough for the 
largest navy. The most important part of this harbor is en¬ 
tered by a narrow pass, about three miles below the city, and 
is well protected by forts Independence and Warren. The 
outside harbor is protected by a very strong fortress on 
George’s Island, recently erected by the General Govern¬ 
ment at a great expense. The view of the city, and the 
towns and villages on its shore, add much to the beauty o f 
the scenery. Fishing parties frequently go out, and after 
having secured a mess of fish, land on one of the many 
islands, and regale themselves with a “chowder.” Boats 
of twenty or thirty tons are usually chartered for this pur¬ 
pose, men of experience always going with them. 

Boston Common is considered one of the most delightful 
places of its kind in the country ; it is a great promenade, 
and on holidays and public occasions is crowded with people. 


BOSTON. 


33 


It contains about seventy-five acres, and is a mile and one- 
third ill circumference, and surrounded by an iron railing 
which cost the city about $75,000. It is gently undulated, 
beautifully shaded with trees of various kinds, some of which 
are more than a hundred years old, and a beautiful gravelled 
walk, or mall, extends throughout its entire circumference. 
This spot is universally admired by strangers, and is the 
pride of all Bostonians. The ground was left to the city, 
on condition that it should not be appropriated to any other 
than its present use. 

The Public Garden, as it is termed, on the west side of 
the Common, was-laid out in 1837, by subscription. There 
is a probability that this will be built on before many years. 

Water. —Boston is about to be supplied with water from 
Long Pond, in Framingham, by means of the splendid enter¬ 
prise now going forward. The aqueduct will extend a dis¬ 
tance of nearly twenty miles. The ceremony of breaking 
ground took place near the lake, August 20th, 1846, on 
which occasion Long Pond received the appellation of “ Co-- 
chituate Lake.” This lake covers an area of 659 acres, and 
drains a surface of 11,400 acres. Its depth in some places 
is 70 feet, and it is elevated 124 feet above tide-water in 
Boston Harbor. It can supply ten million gallons daily. 
This water will be brought to Corey’s Hill in Brookline, 
by an aqueduct laid in brick, with hydraulic cement, six 
feet four inches in height, and five feet in width. The reser¬ 
voir at Corey’s Hill will cover an area of eight acres, and 
contain upwards of fifty million gallons of water. From 
this hill the water will pass a distance of four miles, to a 
reservoir in the rear of the State House in Boston. This 
reservoir will cover an area of 13,000 feet, and contain 
1,200,000 gallons of water. The water will be raised 112 
feet above the level of the tide. 


34 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Perhaps the greatest drawback to Boston has been the 
want of a sufficient supply of this element, conflicting inter¬ 
ests having retarded its introduction at an earlier period. 
The aqueduct company for bringing water from Jamaica 
Pond in Roxbury, a distance of four miles, commenced ope¬ 
rations as early as 1795, but the greatest amount of water that 
can be supplied from this source is about 50,000 gallons daily, 
an amount quite inadequate for the rapid increase of the 
population. It is estimated that twenty-eight gallons per 
diem would be required for each individual, including w r hat 
may be used for culinary and other purposes.' At this rate 
it would take upwards of 3,000,000 gallons daily to supply 
the inhabitants. 

Wharves —About 200 docks and wharves surround the 
city, and form one of its peculiar features. The longest of 
these is Long Wharf, extending from the foot of State- 
street 1800 feet, and is 200 feet in width, containing sev¬ 
enty-six spacious stores. Central Wharf is 1380 feet long, 
with a signal station in the centre, from which visitors can 
obtain a fine view of the city and harbor. 

India Wharf is 980 feet long. Ships from the East Indies 
and China are generally to be found here. Commercial 
Wharf is 1100 feet long, and contains many handsome 
granite stores. 

Eastern Railroad Wharf. —This wharf, which is of recent 
construction, extends 184 feet on Commercial-street, and is 
442 feet long and 184 feet wide. On this wharf are also 
twenty-eight large stores, the depot of the East Boston rail¬ 
road ferry, and a new and commodious building called the 
Exchange Hotel. 

Churches. —In December, 1846, there were 99 places of 
religious worship, costing $3,246,200, and having accommo¬ 
dations for 84,185 persons. These churches, &c., are main- 


BOSTON. 


35 


tained at a yearly expense of $170,856. There were eighty 
Sunday Schools, having 1,864 teachers and 17,000 scholars. 

Christ Church, in Salem-street, near Copp’s Hill, has a 
peal of eight bells, with the following inscription: “ We are 
the .first ring of bells cast for the British Empire in North 
America—A. R. 1744. God preserve the Church of Eng¬ 
land. Gloucester—Abel Rudhall cast us all, 1744.” 

Public Buildings, &c. —Of the public buildings in Boston, 
the State House, on the summit of Beacon Hill, and fronting 
the “ Common,” may be regarded among the first. Its founda¬ 
tion is 110 feet above the level of the sea. The edifice was 
completed in 1798, at a cost of $133,330, about three years 
having been occupied in its construction. Length 173 feet, 
breadth 61. On the entrance floor is to be seen Chan- 
trey’s beautiful statue of Washington. Near by is the stair¬ 
case leading to the dome, where visitors are required to regis¬ 
ter their names, and from the top of which is a fine view of 
the city, the bay with its islands, and the surrounding coun¬ 
try,—undoubtedly one of the finest views in the land, if not 
in the world. The number of visitors to the cupola from 
April to November, 1846, amounted to 54,250. The Legis¬ 
lature of the State hold their annual session here. 

The new Custom House is located at the foot of State- 
street, between the heads of Long and Central wharves. 
This building is in the form of a cross; the extreme length 
140 feet, breadth 95 feet. The longest arms of the cross are 
75 feet wide, and the shortest 67 feet, the opposite fronts 
and ends being alike. The entire height to the top of the 
dome is 90 feet. It is built in the pure Grecian Doric order 
of architecture. Each front has a portico of six fluted Doric 
columns, thirty-two feet high and five feet four inches in 
diameter, which is approached by fourteen steps. The col- 


36 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


umns are each in one piece, of highly wrought granite, cost¬ 
ing about $5000 each. It is built on 3000 piles, driven in 
the most thorough manner. Immediately on the top is a 
platform of granite, one foot six inches thick, laid in the best 
hydraulic cement mortar, and upon it the foundations of the 
walls, partitions, &c., were commenced. Underneath the 
whole building is a cellar twelve feet deep, perfectly dry, 
which is used for the storage of goods. The architect of 
this noble structure was Ammi B. Young, Esq., of Boston. 

Faneuil Hall .—This venerated structure, termed the 
“ Cradle of Liberty,” is in Dock Square. It is about 108 
years old, and is an object of deep interest to Americans. 
Here the fathers of the Revolution met to harangue the peo¬ 
ple, on the events of that stirring period; and often since 
that time the great men of the State and nation have made 
its walls resound with their eloquence. It was presented to 
the city by Peter Faneuil, a distinguished merchant, who on 
the 4th of July, 1740, made an offer in a town meeting to 
build a market-house. There being at that time none in the 
town, it was accepted by a vote of 367 to 360. The build¬ 
ing was begun the following year, and finished in 1742. 
The donor so far exceeded his promise, as to erect a spacious 
and beautiful Town Hall over it, and several other conve¬ 
nient rooms. In commemoration of his generosity, the 
town, by a special vote, conferred his name upon the Hall ; 
and as a further testimony of respect, it was voted that Mr. 
Faneuil’s full length portrait be drawn at the expense of the 
town and placed in the Hall. This, with other portraits, 
can be seen by visitors. This gentleman died on the 3d of 
March, 1743, and the first meeting of the inhabitants of 
Boston held in Faneuil Hall was on the 4th of the same 
month, to hear a funeral oration on the donor. 


BOSTON. 


37 


The Exchange, a new and splendid building fronting on 
State-street, was completed in the fall of 1842. It ia 70 
feet high and 250 feet deep, covering about 13,000 feet of 
land. The front is built of Quincy granite, with four pilas¬ 
ters, being forty-five feet in height, and weighing fifty-five 
tons each. The roof is constructed of wrought iron, and 
covered with galvanized sheet iron ; and all the principal 
staircases are of stone and iron, and fire proof. The front 
is occupied by banks, insurance and other offices, and the 
rear is an hotel ; on the lower floor are bathing-rooms, and at 
the top is a telegraph station. The centre of the basement 
story is occupied by the Post Office. The great centre hall, 
which is a magnificent room, is fifty-eight by eighty feet, 
having eighteen columns twenty feet in length, in imitation 
of Sienna marble, with Corinthian capitals. The dome of 
this great hall contains a sky-light of coloured glass, fin¬ 
ished in the most ornamental manner. This magnificent 
room is used for the merchants’ exchange, and subscribers’ 
reading-room. The entire cost of the building, exclusive of 
land, was $175,000. 

The Court House, a fine building, occupied as law courts, 
record offices, &c., in Court Square, fronting on Court- 
street, is built of Quincy geanite. The corner-stone was 
laid in September, 1833. The interior contains four court 
rooms, fifty feet by forty, and large and commodious offices 
for all the respective departments. 

The City Hall is near the Court House and fronting on 
School-street, with an open yard in front. 

The Massachusetts Hospital is built of granite, and occu¬ 
pies an area of four acres on Charles River, between Allen 
and Bridge streets. It has recently been enlarged by the 
addition of wings. 


38 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


The Massachusetts Medical College, formerly in Mason- 
street, is now removed to the foot of Bridge-street, near the 
Massachusetts Hospital. A large brick edifice has recently 
been erected for it. 

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, was founded 
in 1636, and takes its name from the Rev. John Harvard, 
who left it a legacy of £779 17s. 2d. sterling. Its funds at 
the present time exceed half a million of dollars. The an¬ 
nual commencement is on the last Wednesday in August. 

The Athenceum., situated in Pearl-street, has a library of 
about 45,000 volumes, together with a rich cabinet of medals, 
coins, &c. It has an extensive reading-room, furnished 
with all the best American and European periodicals and 
newspapers. It has also a fine collection of Paintings and 
Statuary. It is open to subscribers and to friends that may 
be introduced, from 9 A. M. until dark. A new building is 
being erected in Beacon-street near the Tremont House. 

The Lowell Institute. —This institution was founded by 
John Lowell, Jr. Esq., for the support of regular courses of 
popular and scientific lectures in the city of Boston. The 
sum bequeathed for this purpose amounts to about $250,000. 
By his will, he provides for the maintenance and sup¬ 
port of public lectures on natural and revealed religion, 
physics and chemistry, with their application to the arts ; 
also on geology, botany, and other useful subjects. These 
lectures are all free. The season for delivering them is 
from October to April, during which period four or five 
courses (of twelve lectures each) are usually delivered. The 
founder of this Institute died at Bombay, in March, 1836, 
in the thirty-seventh year of his age. 

The McLean Asylum for the Insane is at Somerville, and 
occupies a fine situation on rising ground j it has fifteen 


BOSTON. 


39 


acres of land attached to it. The grounds are well laid out, 
and every provision is made to beguile the patients into for¬ 
getfulness of their melancholy situation. 

The Institution for the Blind, is at South Boston. The 
building is erected on elevated ground, and commands a 
splendid view of the city, harbor, and surrounding country. 
An exhibition of the pupils takes place at the Institute on 
the first Saturday of the month, and is a very interesting 
occasion. Strangers can obtain permission at any time by 
applying for an order. Omnibuses from Boston leave every 
fifteen minutes. 

The Houses of Industry, Correction, and Reformation, 
are in South Boston, near the brow of Dorchester Heights, 
and occupy about 60 acres of ground. 

Fanueil Hall Market, completed in 1827, at a cost, ex¬ 
clusive of land, of $150,000, is built entirely of granite, and 
is 536 feet long and 50 wide, with a portico at each end, 
of four pillars 23 feet high. In the centre of the building is 
a dome of fine proportion. 

Hotels. —The Tremont House, on Tremont and Beacon 
streets, was opened in October, 1829. It is a granite 
building, containing 180 rooms, and cost, without the land, 
$68,000. Board $2.00 per day. 

The American House, in Hanover-street, is well kept, and 
worthy of patronage. Board $2.00 per day. 

The United Stales Hotel, corner of Lincoln and Beach 
streets, and opposite the Worcester Railroad depot, is a fine 
establishment. Wings have recently been added to this 
building, which makes it, in point of size, equal, if not supe¬ 
rior, to any other of its kind in the country. Board $2.00 
per day. 

The Adams House , a new and beautiful hotel, is located 


40 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


in Washington-street, near its junction with s Bedford-street. 
The house is furnished throughout in a superb style, and the 
comfort of visitors particularly attended to. Board $2.00 
per day. 

j Revere House, an hotel recently opened, is on Bowdoin 
Square, a handsome situation. Board $2.00 per day. 

The Marlboro’ Hotel, in Washington-street, is a strict 
temperance house, and a popular establishment. Board $2.00 
per day. 

The Albion, in Tremont Row, is a good house, conducted 
on the European plan. 

There are many other hotels in Boston, well kept, and where 
the charges are moderate. The following is a list of some of 
them : —Winthrop House in Tremont, cor. of Boylston-street; 
Merchants' Exchange Hotel, in State-street; Eastern Bail- 
road House , 115 Commercial-street, head of Eastern Steam¬ 
boat wharf; Shawmut House, in Hanover-street; Exchange 
Coffee House, Congress Square and Devonshire-street; City 
Tavern, Brattle-street; Pemberton House, Howard-street, 
&c. &c. 

Theatres, and other Places of Amusement. —The How¬ 
ard Athenceum, in Howard-street, occupies the site of the 
“ Millerite Tabernacle,” which, after being converted into 
a theatre, was destroyed by fire. The present building is 
considered the handsomest of its kind in the country ; its 
cost is said to have exceeded $100,000. The basement is 
built in the Tudor style, and all above in that of the early 
Gothic. The paraquette is filled with iron-framed cushioned 
arm-chairs. The walls which enclose the auditory form a 
perfect and unbroken circle, so that the most remote lis¬ 
teners can hear as well as those who are nearest the stage. 
This has been effected by setting the proscenium back on 


BOSTON. 


41 


a level with the boxes, instead of allowing it to jut out upon 
the stage and interrupt the passage of sound, as it does in 
ordinary theatres. The curtain is 44 feet wide, exceeding 
that of the Park Theatre, New-York, by four feet. Prices 
of admission the same as are usual in places of this description. 

The Federal-street Theatre, formerly the old Boston The¬ 
atre, and until recently the “ Odeon,” has been re-converted 
into a theatre ; it is on the corner of Federal and Franklin 
streets. 

The National Theatre, at the junction of Portland and 
Traverse streets, was built in 1831. It was at first opened 
for equestrian performances, but is now used for theatrical 
representations. 

The A delphi, recently opened in Court-street, is devoted 
to Burlesque and Vaudevilles. 

The new Boston Museum is situated opposite Tremont 
Row, near Court-street. Besides the curiosities of the 
Museum, it offers attractions in the shape of Theatrical 
performances, which are generally very entertaining. Price 
of admission, 25 cents. 

At the Missionary House, in Pemberton Square, is a 
Museum which has been collected and forwarded by mis¬ 
sionaries in various parts of the world. Open daily, admis¬ 
sion free. 

The Natural History Booms, in Tremont-street, adjoin* 
ing the Boston Museum, are worthy of a visit. Admission 
free. 

Plages worth visiting. —The Bunker Hill Monument is 
in Charlestown. The top of this structure commands a 
magnificent view, embracing a wide extent of land and 
water scenery. The journey to the top is somewhat tedious, 
it being necessary to mount nearly 300 steps ; yet this is for- 


42 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


gotten in the charming scene and delightful air that await 
the arrival of the visitor. Near at hand is the United States 
Navy Yard, containing among other things, a rope-walk, the 
longest in the country. The machinery here is of the most 
perfect kind. 

The State House, Boston, for which directions have al¬ 
ready been given at page 35 ; and Faneuil Hall, at page 36. 

Artists’ Association Rooms, Tremont Row. 

The State Prison, located in Charlestown. Fee 25 cents. 

The Blind Asylum and the Houses of Industry and Re¬ 
formation, both in South Boston. Omnibuses leave the city 
every fifteen minutes. Fare 6| cents. 

The Custom House, at the foot of State-street. 

Mount Auburn Cemetery is about a mile from Harvard 
University. It is an enchanting spot—a magnificent rest¬ 
ing-place for the dead. Omnibuses leave Brattle-street 
every half hour. Fare 20 cents. 

Mr . Cushing’s Garden, a place of great beauty, is a short 
distance beyond Mount Auburn, in Watertown. Tickets 
may be obtained gratis on application at the Horticultural 
Store in School-street. 

Fresh Pond, another charming place of resort, is about 
four miles from Boston, and half a mile from Mount Au¬ 
burn ; it is reached by the railroad cars, which leave Charles¬ 
town many times during the day. Fare 12£ cents. Omni¬ 
buses are in readiness to convey passengers from Fresh Pond 
to Mount Auburn Cemetery. Fare cents. 

The other fine sheets of water in the vicinity of Boston, 
well worthy the attention of visitors, are Horn, Spot , Spy, 
and Mystic Ponds. 

Watering-Places in the Vicinity of Boston. _ Nahant, 

a delightful watering-place, is situated about twelve miles 


BOSTON. 


43 


from Boston, by water, and fourteen miles by land. During 
the summer season, a steamboat plies daily. Fare 25 cents. 
This is a most agreeable excursion, affording an opportunity, 
in passing through the harbor, for seeing some of the many 
beautiful islands with which it is studded. Nahant may also 
be reached by taking the Eastern Railroad cars as far as 
Lynn, and thence walking or riding a distance of three 
miles, along the hard sandy beach, in full view of the open 
sea ; or by omnibuses, which intersect the railroad cars at 
Lynn several times daily. 

The peninsula is divided into Great and Little Nahant, 
and Bass Neck. The former is the largest division, contain¬ 
ing 300 acres, a part of which is under cultivation, many 
handsome dwellings, and a spacious hotel, with a piazza on 
each floor. From this place the visitor has a boundless sea- 
coast view. 

On the south side of Great Nahant is the dark cave or 
grotto called the Swallow’s Cave, ten feet wide, five feet high, 
and seventy long, increasing in a short distance to four¬ 
teen feet in breadth and eighteen or twenty in height. On 
the north shore of the peninsula is a chasm twenty or thirty 
feet in depth, called the Spouting Horn, into which, at about 
half tide, the water washes with great violence and noise, 
and forces a jet of water through an aperture in the rock 
to a considerable height in the air. 

During the sultry heat of summer numbers resort to Na¬ 
hant to enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze, and bathing in 
the surf, both of which may be enjoyed to perfection. 

Visitors may amuse themselves at this delightful place, by 
fishing, the grounds for which are excellent—by bathing, 
either in cold or warm water—with riding, playing at bil¬ 
liards, or rolling ten-pins. 


44 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Phillip's Beach, a short distance northeast of Nahant, is 
another beautiful beach, and a noted resort for persons in 
search of pleasure or health. 

Nantasket Beach, twelve miles from Boston, is situated 
on the east side of the peninsula of Nantasket, which forms 
the southeast side of Boston harbor, and comprises the town 
of Hull. The beach, which is remarkable for its great beauty, 
is four miles in length, and is celebrated for its fine shell¬ 
fish, sea-fowl, and good bathing. 

Chelsea Beach, about three miles in length, is situated in 
the town of Chelsea, and is another fine place of resort. A 
ride along this beach in a warm day is delightful. It is 
about five miles from Boston, and may be reached by cross¬ 
ing the ferry to East Boston. 

The prices or rates of fare in the city of Boston, to be taken 
by or paid to the owner or driver of any licensed carriage, 
are as follows :— 

For carrying a passenger from one place to another, 
within the city proper, 25 cents. 

For children between three and twelve years of age, if 
more than one, or if accompanied by an adult, half price 
only is charged for each child ; and for children under three 
years of age, when accompanied by their parents, or any 
adult, no charge is made. Every driver or owner of any 
licensed carriage, is obliged to carry with each passenger one 
trunk, and a valise, saddle-bag, carpet-bag, portmanteau, 
box, bundle, basket, or other article used in travelling, if he 
be requested so to do, without charge or compensation there¬ 
for; but for every trunk or other such article as above 
named, more than two, he is entitled to demand and receive 
the sum of five cents. 



> 



s'alnum 




f 


q 

0, 

q 






































* 




EASTERN RAILROAD. 


45 


DISTANCES IN BOSTON FROM THE EXCHANGE IN STATE-STREET. 

To the Providence Depot, three-quarters of a mile; the 
Worcester and Old Colony Depots, two-thirds of a mile ; the 
Boston and Maine Depot, one-third of a mile ; the Lowell 
Depot, two-thirds of a mile ; the Eastern Depot, half 
a mile ; Bunker Hill Monument and Navy Yard, a mile 
and a quarter ; Roxbury, two miles and a half; Chelsea, 
two miles ; Cambridge Bridge, three-fourths of a mile ; Har¬ 
vard University, three miles and a half; Mount Auburn, 
four miles and a half; Fresh Pond, five miles; East Bos¬ 
ton, one mile and a third ; and to South Boston, one mile 
and an eighth. 


EASTERN RAILROAD. 

There are two routes from Boston to Portland, Me.; the 
Eastern or seaboard route from East Boston, 105 miles in 
length, and the Boston and Maine, or inland, or upper route, 
which connects with the Eastern at South Berwick, Me. 
The distance by the latter route is 109 miles. They are 
both well-managed roads, and the cars and conveniences 
upon them not inferior to those upon the best roads in the 
country. 

The Eastern Railroad from Boston to Salem was opened 
in 1838 ; to Portsmouth, N. H., in 1840; and to Portland, 
Me., in 1842. The cost of this road to Portsmouth, fifty- 
four miles, including a double track to Salem, with locomo¬ 
tives, cars, &c., was $2,500,000. The Portsmouth, Saco, 
and Portland Railroad, fifty-one miles, cost $1,200,000. 
Branch roads extend to Marblehead, Danvers, and Glouces- 

4 


46 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


ter; the latter cost $12,140. A new road, connecting 
Portsmouth with Concord, is in progress, which will be laid 
down upon the map as soon as it shall be opened for travel. 

There are now nine passenger trains running daily from 
Boston to Lynn and Salem, and back —Jive trains daily to 
Newburyport, and back—three trains daily to Portsmouth, 
and two daily to Portland. 

There are also nine daily trains from Salem to Danvers, 
on the Express railroad, and eight daily to Marblehead, on 
the branch railroad to that place. 

In order to take the cars from Boston to any place on this 
route, passengers must purchase their tickets at the depot in 
Commercial-street, and cross the ferry to East Boston, 
where is the commencement of the railroad. 

The first stopping place on this route is at Lynn Hotel, 
one mile from the town of Lynn. Persons wishing to stop 
at this great shoe-mart, will leave the cars at the second 
stopping-place , nine miles from Boston. Fare 25 cents. 

Salem , which contains a population of about 17,000, is 
situated on a peninsula, a short distance from the sea, and 
twenty miles from Cape Ann. It was formerly extensively 
engaged in the East India trade, but has greatly declined in 
commercial importance, most of its shipping having been re¬ 
moved to the port of Boston, although continuing to be owned 
in Salem. Chestnut-street, one of the handsomest thorough¬ 
fares in the country, has rows of elm-trees on either side, 
and contains many splendid mansions. 

The Museum of the East India Marine Society is well 
worthy of a visit, for which tickets of admission can be pro¬ 
cured gratis, on application. It is remarkable for the variety 
and extent of its natural and artificial curiosities, collected 
from every part of the world. 



EASTERN RAILROAD. 


47 


The Eastern Railroad passes through a tunnel built under 
Essex-street, and is thence carried over a bridge of consid¬ 
erable length to Beverly. Fare from Boston to Salem, 40 
cents. 

Marblehead is connected with Salem by railroad. The 
enterprise of its inhabitants is chiefly directed to the fisheries* 
and the amount of its exports is very considerable. Popula¬ 
tion between 5000 and 6000. Fare from Salem, cents. 

Danvers , two miles northwest of Salem, is connected 
with the latter place by railroad. Population about 6000. ' 
The inhabitants are mostly engaged in tanning, and the 
manufacture of pottery, boots, shoes, &c. Fare from Salem, 
6£ cents. 

Beverly, two miles north of Salem, is connected with the 
latter place by a bridge across the North River; the bridge, 
which was built in 1788, is 1500 feet in length. The inhab¬ 
itants are very generally engaged in the fisheries. Popula¬ 
tion about 5000. Fare 45 cents. 

IVenham is a very pleasant town, twenty miles north by 
east of Boston. Population about 2000. Wenham Pond, a 
beautiful sheet of water, about a mile square, affords a great 
abundance of excellent fish, and is much visited by persons 
fond of angling. It is also noted for the quality and quan¬ 
tity of its ice, a large amount of which is yearly exported. 
Fare 56 cents. 

Ipswich contains about 3000 inhabitants. The country 
around is well cultivated and beautifully variegated. Fare 
70 cents. 

Eowley is an agricultural town much resorted to by fam¬ 
ilies seeking a healthy summer location. Distance from Bos¬ 
ton, twenty-nine miles. Fare 80 cents. 

Newburyport lies on a gentle acclivity, on the south bank 


48 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


of the Merrimack River, near its union with the Atlantic. 
It is considered one of the most beautiful towns in New 
England. In consequence of a sand-bar at the mouth of the 
harbor, its foreign commerce of late years has greatly de¬ 
clined. The celebrated George Whitefield died in this town 
in September, 1770. Population of Newburyport about 
10,000. Fare from Boston, $1.00. 

Salisbury Beach is noted for its beauty and salubrity, and 
is much visited during the warm season. It is from four to 
five miles distant from Newburyport. 

Seabrook is noted for its whale-boat building, which is 
carried to a great extent in this town. The inhabitants are 
mostly mechanics and seamen. Population about 2000. 
Fare from Boston, $1.15. 

Hampton Falls was originally a part of Hampton, from 
which it was separated and incorporated in 1712. The in¬ 
habitants are mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits. Popu¬ 
lation about 900. 

Hampton is pleasantly situated near the Atlantic coast. 
From elevations in the vicinity, there are fine views of 
the ocean, the Isle of Shoals, and of the sea-coast from 
Cape Ann to Portsmouth. Fare from Boston, $1.32. 
Hampton Beach has now become a favorite place of resort 
for parties of pleasure, invalids, and those seeking an invigo¬ 
rating air. Great Boar’s Head, in this town, is an abrupt 
eminence extending into the sea, and dividing the beaches 
on either side. There is here an hotel for the accommoda¬ 
tion of visitors. The fishing a short distance from the 
shore is very good. 

The Isle of Shoals is distant about nine miles from Hamp¬ 
ton and from Portsmouth. These are seven in number. 
Hog Island, the largest, contains 350 acres, mostly rocky 


EASTERN RAILROAD. 


49 


and barren. Its greatest elevation is fifty-nine feet above 
high-water mark. Upon this island is an hotel, recently 
erected. These rocky isles are a pleasant resort for water 
parties, and the bracing air, while refreshing to the seden¬ 
tary, cannot be otherwise than salutary to invalids. 

Rye Beach is another noted watering-place on this coast, 
and is much frequented by persons from the neighboring 
towns. 

Portsmouth, the principal town in the State, and the only 
seaport, is built on the south side of Piscataqua River. It is 
in North Latitude 43° 4' 54", West Longitude 70° 45'. 
Population about 10,000. Its situation is a fine one, being 
on a peninsula near the mouth of the river. It is connected 
by bridges with Kittery in Maine, and Newcastle on Grand 
Island, at the mouth of the river. The harbor is safe and 
deep, and is never frozen, its strong tides preventing the 
formation of ice. There is here a United States Navy Yard, 
one of the safest and most convenient on the coast. The 
North America, the first line-of-battle-ship launched in the 
western hemisphere, was built here during the Revolution¬ 
ary war. Portsmouth is well supplied with excellent water 
brought from a fountain three miles distant, and conducted 
into all the principal streets. Fare from Boston, $1.50. 

South Berwick is situated at the point where the Eastern 
Railroad is intersected by the Boston and Maine Railroad, 
and is sixty-six miles distant from Boston by the former 
route and seventy-three by the latter. 

Saco, situated on one of the largest rivers in New Eng¬ 
land, is a port of entry, and has a flourishing trade. From 
the mouth of the river extends a fine beach five miles in 
length, called Old Orchard Beach. Population about 6000. 
Fare $2.90. 


50 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 



Portland from the Fort. 


Portland is 105 miles from Boston, 54 southwest from 
Augusta, the capital of the State, and 550 from Washington, 
and is in North Latitude 43° 39' 26', West Longitude 70° 
20' 30". It is pleasantly situated on a peninsula, and on 
approaching it from the ocean is seen to great advantage. 
The harbor is defended by forts Preble and Scammel. On 
the highest point of the peninsula is an observatory seventy 
feet in height, commanding a fine view of the city, harbor, 
and islands in Casco Bay. The misty forms of the White 
Mountains, sixty miles distant, are discernible in clear 
weather. The scenery around Portland is noted for its ex¬ 
tent, variety, and beauty, and is not surpassed by any similar 
view in the country. 

A railroad connecting this city with Montreal in Canada 
is in progress, and is already completed to Lewiston, on the 
Androscoggin, twenty-five miles. 

There are several well-kept hotels in Portland, the charges 





BOSTON AND MAINE RAILROAD. 


51 


at which are moderate. Fare from Boston, $3.00. Usual 
time, 5 \ hours. 

Steamboats run in connection with the cars to Hallowell 
on the Kennebec River, and Bangor on the Penobscot, and 
intermediate places. A steamboat runs also to Boston each 
alternate day. Stages leave Portland for the principal places 
in the State, and for the White Mountains, N. H. 


BOSTON AND MAINE RAILROAD. 

This railroad is seventy-three miles in length, and was 
opened from Wilmington in 1843. It cost $1,887,340. 
On the 1st of July, 1845, the road was opened to Boston, 
crossing the Charles River over a viaduct of considerable 
length, and terminating in a commodious depot at the foot 
of Union-street, in Haymarket Square. A canal formerly 
occupied the space between this depot and the river, over 
which the rails are laid. By this arrangement the cars are 
brought almost to the commercial centre of the city. The 
stock of this well-managed and prosperous road is among 
the best in the country. Cars leave Boston from the above- 
named depot for Portland daily (Sundays excepted ) at 7£ 
A. M., and 2£ P. M. Returning, leave Portland at 7£ 
A. M., and 3 P. M. Leave Boston for Haverhill, Mass., 
and intermediate places, five times daily. 

In crossing the river, the State Prison, a granite building 
situated on Prison Point in Charlestown, is an object of 
attraction. The first stopping-place on this route is at 
Somerville, two miles distant from Boston. Fare 8 cents. 

Malden, five miles from Boston, is noted for its dyeing 
establishments. Fare 12 cents. Stoneham, three miles 


52 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


beyond, has a population of about 2000, which is principally 
occupied in making shoes. Fare 18 cents. In this town is 
Spot Pond , a beautiful sheet of pure water, covering an area 
of 283 acres, and which is 143 feet above high-water mark 
in Boston Harbor. 

South Reading is a neat and flourishing place, where 
shoes, cabinet-ware, and other articles, are extensively man¬ 
ufactured. Fare 25 cents. A large and beautiful pond, 
the source of the Saugus River, is not far distant. 

Reading is another important boot and shoe mart. Fare 
30 cents. 

Wilmington is seventeen miles from Boston. Here the 
Boston and Maine Railroad formerly commenced: it is 
united with the Lowell Railroad at the depot, two miles 
south of the village. The town is noted for its growth of 
hops, of which large quantities are annually produced. 
Fare 40 cents. 

Andover, a beautiful town, and under excellent cultivation, 
has been long celebrated for its literary and theological insti¬ 
tutions. Fare 60 cents. 

At North Andover is a branch road leading to the new 
city of Lawrence, which is situated on the Merrimack at its 
junction with the Spicket River. The water-power of Law¬ 
rence is very great, and will no doubt make it an important 
manufacturing place. Its population already amounts to 
several thousands, and it is estimated that by the close of 
the present year it will number not less than 10,000 inhabit¬ 
ants. A railroad, which is to connect this city with Lowell, 
is already in progress. 

Bradford is pleasantly situated on the Merrimack River. 
The surface of the town is uneven, and the soil various, but 
much of the land is of a superior quality. The inhabitants 


BOSTON AND MAINE RAILROAD. 


53 


are principally engaged in the making of boots and shoes. 
A bridge 750 feet in length connects this town with Ha¬ 
verhill on the opposite side of the river. Population about 
3000. Fare from Boston, 85 cents. 

Haverhill, a handsomely built town, is delightfully located 
at the head of navigation on the Merrimack, and is so situated 
as to command a large inland trade. Boots and shoes, mo¬ 
rocco leather, hats, cabinet-ware, and many other articles, 
are extensively made here. Population about 5000. Fare 
from Boston, 85 cents. 

Flaistoio, N. H., is an old town, having obtained its 
charter in 1749. Population about 800. Fare $1.00. 

Exeter is a beautiful town, forty-nine miles north of Bos¬ 
ton, fourteen southwest of Portsmouth, and forty southeast 
of Concord, the capital of the State. Cotton goods, mo¬ 
rocco leather, paper, blank books, &c., are extensively made 
here. Population about 3000. Fare $1.30. 

Dover, N. H., one of the most important towns in the State, 
is situated on the Cocheco River, at the head of navigation, 
about twelve miles from the ocean. The falls in this river, 
whose name they bear, have a sudden descent of thirty-two 
feet. Upon these falls have been erected the mills of the 
“ Cocheco Cotton Manufacturing Company,” incorporated in 
1820. This company has a capital of more than a million 
of dollars invested, and employs upwards of 1000 persons. 
The “ mills” in Dover are well worthy of a visit. Fare from 
Boston, $1.75. 

Somervcorth, on the Salmon Falls River, is a flourishing 
town with an extensive water-power. The river is of suffi¬ 
cient depth for vessels of 250 tons.— Great Falls is a large 
and extensive manufacturing village.—At South Berwick 
the Boston and Maine Railroad unites with the Portsmouth 


54 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


and Saco Railroad. For the continuation of the route to 
Portland, see page 49. 


BOSTON AND LOWELL RAILROAD. 

This road, which was opened in 1835, crosses the Charles 
River on a viaduct, and thence proceeds in a northwesterly 
direction to Lowell, twenty-six miles, running nearly parallel 
with the Middlesex Canal. The country passed over is un¬ 
even, but the average of inclination does not vary over ten 
feet in a mile, so well is the grade preserved. It is undoubt¬ 
edly one of the best roads in the country, and the amount of 
business done upon it is astonishing. There are two tracks, 
which are constructed upon stone and iron. A branch road 
extends to Woburn Centre, a distance of two miles. The 
entire cost of this road, including depots, engines, cars, &c., 
was $1,940,418. The Nashua and Lowell Railroad, fifteen 
miles, cost $500,000; and the Concord Railroad from 
Nashua, thirty-five miles, cost $800,000. The depot of 
this railroad is in Lowell-street, near the Charles River. 
On the opposite side of the river is East Cambridge, a flour¬ 
ishing place, with many extensive manufactories, of which 
the glass-works are the most important. About half a mil¬ 
lion dollars worth of glass is manufactured here annually. 

Medford is a beautiful town situated at the head of navi¬ 
gation on Mystic River. It is noted for its ship-building, 
many fine vessels being annually built here. Fare from 
Boston, 12 cents. 

Woburn has a varied and pleasing aspect, and contains 
some beautiful farms. Horn Pond in this town is. a delight¬ 
ful sheet of water, surrounded by evergreens, and is so re¬ 
markable for its rural beauties as to attract many visitors 


BOSTON AND LOWELL RAILROAD. 


55 


from a distance. Fare to South Woburn, 20 cents, and to 
Woburn, 25 cents. A branch railroad extends from South 
Woburn to Woburn Centre, a distance of two miles. 

Lowell is termed the Manchester of America, and is re¬ 
markable for the extent of its water-power, its rapid growth, 
and the perfection and variety of its manufactures. It lies 
on the south side of the Merrimack River, at its junction 
with Concord River. In 1815, the site where the city 
stands was a wilderness, with the exception of a few isolated 
dwellings—it has now thirteen manufacturing corporations, 
embracing a capital of $11,490,000, and numbering forty- 
five mills. These mills employ 7,915 female and 3,340 male 
operatives. There are other manufacturing establishments 
in the city not incorporated, employing a capital of $310,750, 
and about 1000 hands. Two new cotton-mills have just 
been built, one by the Merrimack Company, containing 
23,424 spindles and 640 looms—and one by the Hamilton 
Company, of sufficient capacity for 20,000 spindles and 400 
looms. The whole fall of the Merrimack at this place is 
thirty feet, and the quantity of water never falls short of 
2000 cubic feet per second, and is very rarely so low as that. 
The goods manufactured in Lowell consist of broadcloths, 
sheetings, calicoes, carpets, rugs, cassimeres, and many other 
useful articles. A railroad connects Lowell with the new 
city of Lawrence. Fare from Boston to Lowell, 65 cents. 
Time, 1 hour. 

Nashua is the centre of a considerable trade, and the seat 
of important manufactures. The volume of water afforded 
by the Nashua River, at the dryest season of the year, is 180 
cubic feet per second. Population, according to the census 
of 1847, is 7531. Fare $1.00. 

Litchfield, oh the east side of the Merrimack, is a good 


56 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

agricultural town. In the township are two ferries, Thorn¬ 
ton's and Reed's. Population about 600. Fare to Thorn¬ 
ton's Ferry, $1.10, and to Reed’s Ferry , $1.20. 

Manchester is on the east side of the Merrimack, fifty- 
nine miles from Boston: it received a city charter in 1846. 
The river here affords immense water-power, and manu¬ 
facturing is extensively carried on. The growth of Man¬ 
chester has been so rapid, that it now almost rivals Lowell. 
The population of this place, as shown by a recent census, 
is 12,286—increase in one year, 2162. Fare $1.40. 

Concord, the capital of the State of New Hampshire, and 
shire town of the county of Merrimack, lies on both sides of 
Merrimack River, and is seventy-six miles northwest of 
Boston. The principal village, and seat of most of the busi¬ 
ness of the town, is on the western side of the river, extend¬ 
ing nearly two miles, and is one of the most healthy and 
pleasantly situated villages in New England. The State- 
House occupies a beautiful site in the centre of the village, 
and is constructed of hewn granite. It is 126 feet in length, 
49 in width, and rises two stories above the basement. The 
State Prison, a massive granite structure, is located here. 
Population between 5000 and 6000. Fare from Boston , 
$1.75. Time 3^ hours. 


THE NORTHERN RAILROAD, N. H., 

between Concord and Franklin, a distance of eighteen 
miles, was opened to the public on Monday, Dec. 28th, 
1846, and in July, 1847, the cars were running to North 
Andover, a further distance of fifteen miles. By the close 
of the year it will probably be opened through to the mouth 
of the White River. There it is to meet the Vermont Cen- 


BOSTON, CONCORD, AND MONTREAL RAILROAD. 57 


tral Road which is to run up the White River, through the 
centre of the State, to Montpelier; thence to Burlington, 
on Lake Champlain—there uniting with a line of steam¬ 
boats ; then up the Lake, and the St. John’s River, to St. 
John’s; and thence by the La Prairie Railroad to Montreal, 
in Canada. 

The whole original capital stock of the Northern Railroad 
Company was $1,500,000, with the right to increase it if 
found necessary. The cost of the road, as far as completed, 
has averaged about $25,000 per mile. The receipts of 
income on the road from Concord to Franklin, eighteen 
miles, during the first two months, exceeded the sum of 
$8000, and the net receipts, after deducting expenses, were 
equal to a profit of 8^ per cent, per annum. 

The trains now run on this part of the road 108 miles per 
day, three times in each direction. 


BOSTON, OONOOED, AND MONTREAL RAILROAD. 

This is a new road, and is in course of construction from 
Concord to Sanbornton Bridge, a distance of eighteen miles, 
and to Meredith Bridge, nine miles further. It will shortly 
be carried to Plymouth, on the Merrimack, or Pemigewassel 
River, eighteen miles from Meredith Bridge—making the 
distance from Concord forty-five miles. The total cost of 
the road from Concord to Sanbornton Bridge, eighteen miles, 
is estimated at $199,403, and to Meredith Bridge, twenty- 
seven miles, at $343,703. From Plymouth the road is to 
pass through one of the best farming and lumber regions of 
the State, ensuring ultimately the construction of the entire 
road contemplated in the charter. 


58 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION 



WHITE MOUNTAINS. 

These Mountains are situated in the State of New Hamp¬ 
shire, in the county of Coos, and extend from southwest to 
northeast, about twenty miles. They are, with the excep¬ 
tion of the Rocky Mountains, the highest in the United 
States. Mount Washington, 6,243 feet above the level of 
the sea, is the most elevated peak of this region. The 
others are Mount Adams, 5,767 feet; Mount Jefferson, 
5,665; Madison, 5,384; Monroe, 5,298 ; Franklin, 4,854; and 
La Fayette, 4,723. The former is the most southern of the 
three highest peaks, and may be known by its superior eleva¬ 
tion. Mount Adams, the second north of Mount Washington, 
may be known by its sharp terminating peak. Jefferson is 






WHITE MOUNTAINS. 


59 


situated between the two above mentioned. Madison is the 
most eastern peak of the range. Monroe is the first to the 
south of Washington. Franklin is the second south, and is 
known by its level surface. La Fayette is known by its coni¬ 
cal shape, and being the third south of Washington. The as¬ 
cent to the summits of these mountains, though fatiguing, is not 
dangerous, and the visitor is richly rewarded for his exertion. 
In passing from the notch to the highest summit, the travel¬ 
ler crosses the tops of Mounts La Fayette, Franklin, and 
Monroe. In accomplishing this, he must pass through a 
forest, and cross several ravines. These chasms are filled 
up with trees, exactly even with the mountain, on either 
side, their branches interlocking with each other in such a 
manner as to make it difficult to pass through them, and 
they are so stiff and thick as almost to support a person’s 
weight. 

Mount La Fayette is easily ascended ; its top, to the ex¬ 
tent of five or six acres, is smooth, and gradually slopes away 
from its centre. The prospect from this summit is beautiful. 
To the north the eye is dazzled with the splendor of Mount 
Washington. On descending this mountain, a small pond 
of water is found at its base ; from which the ascent is 
gradual to the summit of Mount Franklin. After crossing 
this mountain, you pass over the east pinnacle of Mount 
Monroe, and soon find yourself on a plain of some extent, at 
the foot of Mount Washington. Here is a fine resting-place, 
on the margin of a beautiful sheet of water, of an oval form, 
covering about three-fourths of an acre. Directly before you 
the pinnacle of Mount Washington rises with majestic 
grandeur, elevated about 1500 feet above the plain, and 
presenting a variety of colors and forms. A walk of half 
an hour will generally carry one to the summit. The view 


60 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


from this point is wonderfully grand and picturesque. In¬ 
numerable mountains, lakes, ponds, rivers, towns, and vil¬ 
lages meet the eye, and in the distance may be seen the 
waters of the Atlantic stretching along the dim horizon. 
To the north is seen the lofty summits of Adams and Jeffer¬ 
son ; and to the east, a little detached from the range, 
stands Mount Madison. During two-thirds of the year, the 
summits of these mountains are covered with snow and ice, 
giving them a bright and dazzling appearance. 

The Notch of the White Mountains is a term applied to 
a very narrow defile, extending two miles in length between 
huge cliffs, apparently rent asunder by some vast convulsion 
of nature. The entrance of the chasm on the east side, is 
formed by two rocks standing perpendicularly at the distance 
of about twenty feet from each other. The road from Port¬ 
land to Lancaster on the Connecticut River, passes through 
this notch, following the course of the head stream of the 
Saco River. A short distance from the commencement of 
the chasm is a beautiful cascade, issuing from a mountain on 
the right; the stream passes over a series of rocks almost 
perpendicular, with a course so little broken as to preserve 
the appearance of a uniform current. This stream, which 
is probably one of the most beautiful in the world, falls over 
a stupendous precipice, forming the Silver Cascade. 

About a mile distant from the Notch is the Flume, a stream 
of water falling over three precipices from a height of about 
250 feet. It falls over the two first in a single stream, and 
over the last in three; these are again united at the bottom 
in a natural basin formed in the rocks. The Second Flume 
is the largest and most beautiful. 

The Willey House stands in the Notch, on the westerly 
side of the road, a short distance from the high bluff which 


WHITE MOUNTAINS. 


61 


rises to the height of about 2000 feet. This was formerly 
occupied by Captain Willey, his wife, five children, and two 
men, all of whom were destroyed on the 28th of August, 
1826, by an avalanche or slide from the mountains. 

“ Nearly in range of the house, a slide from the extreme 
point of the westerly hill came down in a deep and horrible 
mass to within about five rods of the dwelling, where its 
course appears to have been checked by a large block of 
granite, which falling on a flat surface, backed the rolling 
mass for a moment until it separated into two streams, one 
of which rushed down to the north end of the house, crush¬ 
ing the barn, and spreading itself over the meadow ; the 
other passing down on the south side, and swallowing up 
the unfortunate beings, who probably attempted to fly to a 
shelter, which, it is said, had been erected a few rods dis¬ 
tant. This shelter, whatever it might have been, was com¬ 
pletely overwhelmed ; rocks weighing from ten to fifty 
tons, being scattered about the place, and indeed in every 
direction, rendering escape utterly impossible. The house 
remained untouched, though large stones and trunks of trees 
made fearful approaches to its walls, and the moving mass, 
which separated behind the building, again united in its 
front! The house alone could have been their refuge from 
the horrible uproar around, the only spot untouched by the 
crumbling and consuming power of the storm.” 

A large three-storied hotel, painted white, now occupies 
the site of the Willey House, yet this curiosity has been 
preserved and forms part of the establishment. In the sum¬ 
mer of 1846, when digging the foundation for this hotel, the 
bones of one of the children of Captain Willey were dis¬ 
covered. 


\ 


5 


62 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


ROUTES TO THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. 

Portland Route. —As there are various routes from Boston 
to the White Mountains, the traveller has his choice of them, 
whether for business or pleasure ; we shall now proceed to 
direct him by the way of Portland. 

The cars leave Boston for Portland in the morning and 
afternoon, and an express train leaves in the evening ; by 
the latter, the traveller will reach Portland at 10 o’clock, 
P. M., in time for a night’s rest, and the next morning 
can take the stage for the mountains. If he is disposed to 
tarry a few hours in Portland, he can take the cars in Bos¬ 
ton, after breakfast, and arrive at Portland in time for din¬ 
ner. The White Mountain stages leave the American 
House, and General Stage-office, Portland, every day during 
the summer season (except Sundays) at 7 o’clock, A. M. 
After breakfast you take the stage, on your way to the 
mountains, and passing through Gorham 5 miles, Standish 
11, Baldwin 19, Hiram 29, Brownfield 35, Fryeburg 43, 
you at last reach Conway , a distance of 57 miles from Port¬ 
land, which is the centre of all the eastern routes, and where 
the traveller finds excellent accommodations for the night. 
The next day you will have an opportunity of visiting the 
Crawford House, and the morning after may prepare for the 
ascent of the White Mountains. The distance from Boston 
by this route is about 175 miles. 

Dover Route. —Another agreeable route from Boston to 
the White Mountains, is by the way of Dover, N. H. This 
latter place is reached by taking the cars of the Boston and 
Maine Railroad, and is 66 miles distant. Here we take the 
stage and proceed to Alton, at the southeastern extremity 
of Winnipiseogee Lake, 28 miles ; thence by steamboat, up 


WHITE MOUNTAINS. 


63 


the Lake to Centre Harbor, 20 miles ; by stage to Conway, 
a further distance of about 30 miles ; and from thence to 
the White Mountains as before ; making the distance from 
Boston, by this route, about 180 miles. 

Concord Route. —Travellers take the cars at the Lowell 
Depot, in Boston, passing through the busy towns of Lowell, 
Nashua, and Manchester, to Concord, the capital of the State, 
76 miles. On the arrival of the first train from Boston, at 
Hi o’clock, A. M., the stage is in readiness to convey passen¬ 
gers to Conway, 70 miles distant, passing through the Shaker 
village in Canterbury, 12 miles, or by Sanbornton Bridge, 16 
miles ; from Concord to Meredith Bridge, you pass on through 
Meredith Village to Centre Harbor, 4 miles, which is at the 
northwestern extremity of Lake Winnipiseogee. At this 
place you have an extensive view of the lake, which is one 
of great beauty and attraction. From Centre Harbor to 
Moultonborough is 5 miles, to Sandwich 2, to Tamworth 
12, to Eaton 6, to Conway 8, to Bartlett 10, to the entrance 
of the Notch 12, and from thence to the Crawford House , 
is 12 miles. This latter place is situated about 9 miles 
from the summit of Mount Washington. The distance from 
Boston by this route is about 185 miles. 

The Connecticut River Route. —The White Mountains 
are also reached by the way of the New Haven, Hartford, 
and Springfield Railroad ; and by the Connecticut River Rail¬ 
road, from the latter place to Greenfield, thence by stage to 
Brattleboro, Windsor, Hanover, and Haverhill, to Littleton, 
towns on the Connecticut River ; thence in a southeasterly 
direction to Bethlehem: from Bethlehem to the Crawford 
House, is 18 miles. The distance from New-York city by 
this route is about 326 miles. 

Route up the Hudson River and across the State of Ver - 


64 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAN COMPANION. 

mont to the White Mountains .—There is another route 
from New-York, by the way of Albany and the Champlain 
Canal to Whitehall, at the foot of Lake Champlain ; from 
thence we take the steamboat to Burlington, Vt., 70 miles. 
From this beautiful town the Green Hills are crossed to 
Montpelier, the capital of the State, 40 miles, which is 
situated in a delightful valley. From Montpelier we cross 
to Littleton, N. H , on the Connecticut River, 40 miles ; 
and from Littleton through Bethlehem to the Crawford House 
is about 18 miles ; from thence to the ascent of the White 
Mountains, as before described. By this route the distance 
is about 386 miles. 


FITCHBURG RAILROAD. 

The depot of this road is at present in Charlestown, 
situated near the Warren Bridge, which is almost as con¬ 
venient as though the terminus were in Boston. 

The freight depot of this company is 250 feet in length 
by 60 in width, and the passengers’ depot is 250 by 52 feet. 

The legislature of Massachusetts has, by a bill, empow¬ 
ered this company to construct a bridge across Charles River, 
and to erect a depot in Boston, increasing their capital 
$300,000 for that purpose. 

This road was opened for travel to Fitchburg in March, 
1845, and extends a distance of 50 miles, having cost 
$1,763,400. It is designed to extend it to Montreal, on the 
St. Lawrence, passing through Burlington, Vermont. 

In September, 1846, a branch road, six miles in length, 
connecting with the Fitchburg, was opened to Lexington, 
through East Cambridge. The Fresh Pond branch road is 
under the control of this company. 


FITCHBURG RAILROAD. 


65 


The Fitchburg Railroad is undoubtedly one of the best 
roads in the country, and the business, both in freight and 
passengers, is steadily increasing. The construction of this 
road has been the means of developing the recources of the 
towns through which it passes. Its stock stands very high 
in the market. 

The city of Charlestown is built on a peninsula, formed 
by the Charles and Mystic Rivers, and is connected with 
Boston by two bridges—by one with Chelsea and Malden, 
over the Mystic River—and with Cambridge, by a bridge over 
the Charles River. This place contains many handsome 
edifices. Population about 15,000. 

The Bunker Hill Monument is in Charlestown, the site 
of which is 62 feet above the level of the sea. It is built of 
hewn granite, is 31 feet square at the base, 15 feet square at 
the top, and 220 feet in height. From the summit there is 
a very extensive and delightful view. 

The United States Navy Yard, which is in this town, was 
established about the year 1798. It contains about 60 acres, 
and is enclosed by a high wall built of stone in the most substan¬ 
tial manner. It contains three large ship-houses where vessels 
of war of the first class are built, an extensive rope-walk, 
houses for the officers, and many other buildings. The Dry 
Dock, a piece of masonry unrivalled by any other of its kind 
in the country, is built of hewn granite, and is 341 feet in 
length, 80 in width, and 30 in depth, and cosj $670,089. 
It was completed in June, 1833, and the first vessel received 
in this dock was the frigate Constitution. 

Charlestown also contains the State Prison, which was 
founded in the year 1800. Visitors are admitted within its 
walls by paying a fee of twenty-five cents. 

West Cambridge is a very pleasant town, containing 


66 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


numerous country seats and well-cultivated farms. Spy 
Pond and a part of Fresh Pond lie in this town ; they both 
abound with fish, and are popular places of resort in the 
summer season. They also furnish large quantities of ice, 
much of which is exported. Fare to West Cambridge, 15 
cents; to Lexington , 25 cents. 

Waltham , ten miles from Boston, is one of the most beau¬ 
tiful towns in its vicinity. From Prospect Hill, which is 
elevated nearly 500 feet above the level of the sea, is a fine 
view of the surrounding country, with Boston and its noble 
harbor in the distance. Fare 25 cents. 

Weston, formerly a part of Watertown, from which it was 
taken in 1713, is a well cultivated town 14 miles from Bos¬ 
ton. Fare 30 cents ; to Lincoln, 40 cents. 

Concord is situated on the river of th& same name, 20 
miles from Boston. It is noted as the place where the first 
effectual resistance was made, and the first British blood 
shed, in the Revolutionary war. On the 19th of April, 
1775, a party of British troops was ordered by Gen. Gage 
to proceed to this place to destroy some military stores, 
which had been deposited here by the province. The troops 
were met at the north bridge by the people of Concord and 
the neighboring towns, and forcibly repulsed. A handsome 
granite monument, erected in 1836, commemorates the 
heroic and patriotic achievement. Population about 2000. 
Fare 50 cents. 

Acton, till 1735, formed a part of Concord. Nagog Pond 
is in this town, and is much visited. Fare to South Acton, 
25 cents, and to West Acton, 25 cents. 

Harvard is becoming important for its manufactures of 
paper. In this town reside an industrious community of 
Shakers, who own a considerable tract of land about three 





■W H i mu m fr.. 


-u,, l - - y\iM 


«3Aia ir»OU103NNOO 
















































♦ 










































. jir *. 










... •t' r 

• V * • —M *'• ' 

* t' > * • t • 


’ fr’% f >*' 








’•■ - i r > J 





.*• V‘:r 








BOSTON AND WORCESTER RAILROAD. 


67 


miles from the centre of the town, and supply the market 
with a variety of things. This town contains some fine fish¬ 
ponds. Fare 90 cents. 

Groton is one of the finest towns in Middlesex County. 
Its local beauties are very great, and its schools (for which it 
is famous) are admirably conducted. Fare 90 cents. 

Fitchburg, since the completion of the railroad, has in¬ 
creased both in population and importance. It is situated 
on a branch of the Nashua River, which affords an extensive 
and constant water-power. The manufactures of the town 
consist of cotton and woolen goods, leather, boots and shoes, 
paper, and a variety of other articles. Population, upwards 
of 3000. Fare $1.25. Usual time from Boston , 2£ hours. 

Stages will connect at Fitchburg with the first trains from 
Charlestown, for all the principal towns in Western Massa¬ 
chusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Canadas. 

Passengers leaving Boston on Mondays, Wednesdays and 
Fridays, at A. M., will arrive at Montpelier the next 
day at 12 M., and at Burlington in the afternoon, via 
Charlestown, N. H., and Woodstock, Vt.; and Tuesdays, 
Thursdays and Saturdays, they will arrive at Montpelier 
and Burlington at the same hours, via Windsor, Vt., or they 
will be carried through to Burlington in two days, via Rut¬ 
land, by leaving Boston any week-day at 7£ A. M. 


BOSTON AND WORCESTER RAILROAD. 

This road was commenced in 1832, and opened for travel 
in 1835 : it is forty-four miles in length, and cost $3,485,232, 
including branch roads, engines, cars, depots, &o. Its depot 


68 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

in Boston is on the corner of Beach and Lincoln streets, 
directly opposite the United States Hotel. It passes under 
Washington-street, and then proceeds westerly over a sub¬ 
stantial bridge across what is termed the Back Bay, and 
then through many pleasant towns, stopping at each of the 
depots for passengers and freight. 

Brighton, the first stopping-place on this route, five miles 
from Boston, is a pleasant town, situated on the south side 
of Charles River. It is noted for its cattle market, the 
largest in New England. Monday is the market day, when 
buyers and sellers congregate in large numbers, to traffic in 
live-stock. This town has become the residence of many 
persons of wealth and taste, who occupy beautiful country- 
seats with splendid gardens attached. Winship’s garden is 
noted for its nursery of fine fruit-trees and shrubbery, and for 
its grand display of fruits and flowers of every variety. It 
is free to visitors. Fare from Boston to Brighton, 17 cents. 

Newton is both an agricultural and a manufacturing town. 
Its borders are washed by the Charles River for several miles 
in extent. There are two sets of falls on that river in this 
town, two miles apart, called the Upper and Lower Falls, 
on which are extensive paper-mills, and other manufacturing 
establishments. There is here a Theological Seminary, 
which was established in 1825. Newton Corner, or Angier’s 
Corner, and West Newton, villages in this town, are growing 
places. A branch railroad running along the west bank of 
Charles River, connects Lower Falls with the Worcester 
Railroad. Fare to Newton Corner 20 cents, and to West 
Newton, 25 cents. 

Needham is now quite a manufacturing town, having 
several paper-mills, a chocolate-mill, a coach and car manu¬ 
factory, and manufactories of shoes, hats, &c. It has, also. 


BOSTON AND WORCESTER RAILROAD. 


69 


quarries of stone, which are becoming yearly more valuable. 
Fare to East Needham, 35 cents; to West Needham, 45 
cents. 

Natick, called by the Indians “ the place of hills,” is wa¬ 
tered in part by the Charles River: it contains several de¬ 
lightful ponds, well stored with fish. The southern part of 
Long Pond is in this town, and is seen from the cars while 
passing. A branch road extends from Natick to Saxonville, 
in the town of Framingham, four miles in length, which in 
part of its course is carried over Long Pond. The first In¬ 
dian Church in New England was established here in 1660, 
under the direction of the apostle Elliot. Population, 1500. 
Fare 45 cents. 

Framingham, twenty-one miles from Boston, has the 
Sudbury River passing through its centre. Its fishing, 
fowling, and other sports, make it an agreeable place of 
resort. Saxonville, in the northeastern section of the town, 
is where the chief water-power lies. From Long Pond in 
Framingham, the city of Boston will be supplied with excel¬ 
lent water. Population of the town about 3250. Fare 
55 cents. 

Hopkinton, twenty-four miles from Boston, is a place of 
growing importance, rapidly increasing in population and 
wealth. The Mineral Spring in this town is now much re¬ 
sorted to. (Persons desirous of visiting this celebrated place, 
should leave the cars at Westboro’, eight miles west from 
Hopkinton, and three and a half northwest of the Springs .) It 
is situated near Whitehall Pond, a place famous for its fishing, 
with the attraction also of a fine hotel, at which visitors 
for health or pleasure meet with most agreeable entertain¬ 
ment. The waters of the Mineral Spring contain carbonic 
acid, and carbonate of lime and iron. Fare to Hopkinton, 


70 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


65 cents; to Southboro’, 80 cents; and to Westboro ’, thirty- 
two miles from Boston, 90 cents. 

Grafton is the next town, seven miles this side of Wor¬ 
cester. The Blackstone River and other streams give this 
town a constant and valuable water-power. After leaving 
Grafton, the Worcester Railroad passes through the north 
corner of the town of Millbury, from which a branch road 
extends to the village, on the Blackstone River. 

Worcester, the capital of the county of the same name, is 
a large and flourishing town, situated in the “ heart of the 
Commonw'ealth,” and is the centre of a great inland trade. 
The population amounts to about 12,000. Worcester is 
situated forty-four miles from Boston, forty-five from Provi¬ 
dence, fifty-four from Springfield, forty from Nashua, N. H., 
fifty-nine from Norwich, seventy-nine from Hartford, one 
hundred and fifty-six from Albany, and one hundred and 
ninety-four from New-York via Norwich. 

Worcester is the centre of an important railroad commu- 
cation, which makes it one of the greatest thoroughfares in 
the country, and contributes much to its growth and pros¬ 
perity. It has railroads diverging from it, on the east, to 
Boston ; on the west, to Springfield and Albany ; in a south¬ 
east direction, to Providence, R. I.; on the south, to Nor¬ 
wich and Allyn’s Point, Ct.,—from the latter of which places 
there is communication by steamboat with New-York: it is 
also connected, in a northeast direction, with Nashua, N. II. 
The Blackstone Canal extends from Worcester to Provi¬ 
dence, on both sides of the Blackstone River, forty-five miles. 
The village, pleasantly situated in a valley surrounded by 
hills of slight acclivity, is one of the finest in New England. 
It is abundantly supplied with water, brought through an 
aqueduct from the neighboring hills. Main-street, the most 


I 



nwy 


tOWTL C 


CONTTNUATIOX OF THE 

WESTERN R.R.roALBANY,' 

AND THE / 

HOUSATON ICtoH UDSON.m 

AOSO THE i 

CONNECTICUT RIVER / 
ROUTE See. ! 


Colerrdjae 


Adams? 


Itfnajits 

■s^az 


(rrisi i o leCj'actS T 1 


o Ba th 


cili out 


ALBANY 

Y_ Fefflfl 


Shelburne 

FallsV. 


■ShetbaiMie, 


\ lla^vLey 


ORESENTIEJ 


A ^j^CdesTiire 1 


aiiesJ»oixniiH 


lslifLell 


>i< > pli/cntoim 


('< uuvuv 


S.Sehdk 

4 

c h^choebs'e 
-BtintJuiq 


"XewT oLoti j 

ShakerV, f Shcbker 

'fianaard J 15 
^Corners / //"^N £> 


i CSom u m t i 


Ilpisdale 


itmn 


fy-pte/zru rSF 
•jLR idunora 1 2 


<x R•Orruu t’nL'A 

by bridge^ 

atham 

5 'M& 


tValliiinjs! 


[\ijidei: 
lio ok'- 


Way tfaatfietda? 


172 

C anai 
^4am 

a: 0 *XLersl77 


7 ITinQlS 

vj;nO YT 


'innphS 

reysF 


vVEddLeluvId 


actor 


Wqjerketftefjor 


Cmittende 

CohiynbicL 

He i ’ ivtl 


Stephen- ^ / / j u 

town? WStpcJdjm^t 

Green. RiverVtp ifYfd 


N0RTHAA1 


f Mt 

.Holyoke 


StopMn# 


QieSte 


Beckef 


psdrudek 


Must mm out 


Wateryfi 


Fro son 


Had lev! 


Chcs'teubZQtx 

Vmqg&Y 

Hlapdlord 


\l lord 


'an e>kv Unlit>w 


ysett 


Hand 


nremonts £ 


Ta^hkaoii 

illersUf-Y 


l T^audisfiAld 

iGSCZv " V 

.Maiih oitn i n I) —- J 


leHicld 


vHJN(» 


Charlotte 


loll a lid 


Lon^mpadt 


fnativiU/c 


/ postern Comer 


Slwolcs V. 


Sonth 


viw State Li?ic 133 inile^ from X)ew/Yorh 





















, «**..*• 










■% r . 




















• ■ 





• *•• • 














> 

4 


































* 




w 






• . 






♦ 







t 






















j 




t • 

*» . 

'•. ■ 


























. *-» 4 • 2 _ 




















i. 














*. . -K\ 

' - 

4 • ~ -- 


4 ^ * 





















*• J 
















r 
















































































* •* 



























i 

-. 








* 






V 
















































# 














♦ 




















% - ' 






* 










\ 




... - • 












-- * *» ' 




• • * * *• • » . 
ta v** . .. 
















WESTERN RAILROAD. 


71 


important, is broad and handsome, shaded with trees, and 
more than a mile in length, containing many fine buildings 
both public and private. 

The American Antiquarian Society at this place was 
founded in 1812, by the late Isaiah Thomas, LL.D., the 
father of printing in New England. The Hall of this society, 
erected in 1820, has a central building forty-six feet long 
and thirty-six wide, with a neat Doric portico, and two 
wings twenty-eight feet long and twenty-one feet wide. 
The Society has a library of 12,000 volumes, a large and 
valuable cabinet of antiquities, and many interesting speci¬ 
mens of early printing. 

The State Lunatic Asylum, established here in 1832, 
consists of a centre building seventy-six feet long, forty feet 
wide, and four stories high, with two wings, each ninety 
feet long, thirty-six feet wide, and three stories high. At 
each end of the wings are two other buildings one hundred 
and thirty-four feet long and thirty-four feet wide, forming, 
with the main building, three sides of a spacious square, all 
built of brick. The interior arrangements are admirably 
suited for the accommodation of the different classes of pa¬ 
tients, and on the whole it is one of the best institutions in 
the country. Fare from Boston to Worcester, $>1.25. Usual 
time about 2 hours. 

WESTERN RAILROAD. 

The depot of this important road is situated on the corner 
of Lincoln and Beach streets (the same depot as the Boston 
and Worcester), at the South Cove, and directly opposite the 
United States Hotel. 

This road connects with the Boston and Worcester Rail- 


72 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

load at Worcester, and is 118 miles in length; and the 
Albany and West Stockbridge Railroad, connecting with the 
Western at the State Line , is 38 miles. The entire length 
of the road from Boston to Albany is 200 miles. 

The merchandise depot of this railroad is said to be the 
largest in the country. It is 120 feet wide, and 460 feet 
long, occupying an area of 55,200 square feet, or nearly two 
acres of land. The roof, which is 120 feet span, rests wholly 
on the walls, and without any other support. The walls are 
built of brick, are eighteen feet high, and twenty inches in 
thickness, and where the rafters rest upon them the thickness 
is doubled. The entire space within these walls is one im¬ 
mense room, unbroken even by a single pillar, and is usually 
filled with piles of merchandise. The cars from Albany on 
the east track deliver their freight—consisting chiefly of the 
produce and provisions of Western New-York, and the 
varied manufactures of Worcester, Springfield, and the towns 
adjacent to the road—on an ample platform furnished with 
scales, on a level with the cars. The cars on the west track 
for Albany, and the intermediate places, are at the same 
time receiving groceries, dye-stuffs, wool, cotton, and a va¬ 
riety of other articles, in incredible quantities. 

The Western Railroad was chartered in March, 1833, 
and opened for travel from Worcester to Springfield in 1839, 
and as far as Albany on the Hudson River in 1842. The 
cost of this road (156 miles) has been $8,185,788. Its 
gross receipts between Worcester and Albany, in 1846, was 
$954,417.89, an increase of $140,937.89 over 1845. 

This road is built in the most substantial manner, and is 
considered a model work of its kind. The engineering diffi¬ 
culties upon this road were very great, in consequence of the 
elevated and rugged sections of the country through which 


WESTERN RAILROAD. 


73 


it passes to reach the western boundary of the State of Mas¬ 
sachusetts. Between Worcester and Spencer, a distance of 
12 miles, it crosses a chain of hills whose elevation is 950 feet 
above tide-water in Boston harbor. After leaving Springfield, 
it ascends by the valley of the Westfield River, crossing and 
re-crossing that stream and its branches twenty-seven times, 
owing to the rocky and unfavorable nature of this part of 
the State. In the township of Washington this road crosses 
a summit of 1480 feet, and twenty miles further another of 
918 feet above tide-water, with grades eighty-four feet to the 
mile. 

The importance of this road to Boston, and that section of 
the country through which its route lies, is demonstrated by 
the increasing amount of business yearly transacted upon it, 
both in passengers and freight. It is said that such is the 
regularity and precision with which the locomotives and 
trains from Boston to Albany perform the distance of 200 
miles, that the farmers on the line set their clocks by them. 

The Pittsfield and North Adams Railroad, eighteen miles 
in length, was opened for travel in October, 1846. It is a 
branch of the Western Railroad, and under the control of 
the same company. According to its charter the capital 
stock was not to exceed $500,000. 

Cars for Albany and Troy leave the depot in Boston twice 
daily (Sundays excepted). Those leaving in the morning 
reach Springfield in time to dine, and where the cars stop 
half an hour. Those leaving Boston in the afternoon stop 
over night at Springfield, leaving the next morning for Al¬ 
bany ; arriving there about the middle of the day. Usual 
time between Boston and Albany, ten hours. Summer fare, 
$5.00 ; winter fare, $6.00. The trains for Troy leave 
Greenbush on the arrival of the trains from Boston. 


74 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

Springfield, the most important town upon this route, is 
situated upon the east bank of the Connecticut River, 98 
miles from Boston, 102 from Albany, 18 from Northampton, 
36 from Greenfield (the present termination of the Connec¬ 
ticut River Railroad), 26 miles from Hartford, Ct., and 142 
from the city of New-York. 

Springfield is the centre of a large inland and river trade, 
its natural as well as artificial advantages rendering it one of 
the most important commercial depots on the Connecticut 
River. It has railroads diverging from it, on the east to 
Boston, on the west to Albany, N. Y., on the north to 
Greenfield (this road will probably soon be extended to 
Montreal in Canada), on the south to Hartford and New- 
Haven, and by the New-York and New-Haven road (now 
building) with the great commercial depot of the Union. 

The houses in Springfield are well made and uniformly 
built of brick, and the appearance of the town is lively and 
cheerful. Main-street, the principal, is about two miles and 
a half in length, and runs parallel with the river. The chief 
part of the business of Springfield is transacted in this street. 

During the season of navigation, steamboats ply between 
this place and Hartford, and other towns on the river. 

The Jjnited States Armory, at this place, is the most ex¬ 
tensive in the country. It is situated on an elevated plain 
about half a mile from the village. The buildings, which are 
of brick, are arranged around a square of about twenty acres, 
presenting a handsome appearance. There is a cupola on 
one of them, from which there is a delightful view of the 
river and surrounding country. There are about 300 men 
employed in the Arsenal in manufactuting fire-arms and 
other warlike appurtenances. About 15,000 muskets are 
annually made here, and 150,000 are stored in the buildings 


WESTERN RAILROAD. 


75 


connected with this establishment. There are several well- 
kept hotels in Springfield, where the traveller will find ex¬ 
cellent accommodations at a reasonable rate. Fare from 
Boston, $2.75. Time about 5 hours. 

West Springfield, on the west side of the river, and two 
miles above Springfield, is connected with the latter place 
by a bridge over the Connecticut, four ferries, and also by 
the Western Railroad, which passes through this town. It 
is equi-distant from Boston and Albany. 

Westfield, on the river of the same name, is a delight¬ 
ful town, possessing great natural beauties. It lies in a 
valley about four miles in diameter, and is surrounded by 
hills of considerable height. The Hampshire and Hampden 
Canal passes through this town, which is 108 miles from 
Boston. Fare $2.95. 

Pittsfield, a large manufacturing and agricultural town, 
elevated 1000 feet above the level of the sea, lies 151 miles 
west from Boston, and 49 miles east from Albany. The 
village is beautifully situated, and contains many handsome 
dwellings. In this village there is still standing one of the ori¬ 
ginal forest trees—a large elm, 120 feet in height, and 90 feet to 
the lowest limb,—an interesting relic of the primitive woods, 
and justly esteemed a curiosity by persons visiting this place. 
Pittsfield contains a medical institution, and a seminary of 
learning. This town received its present name in 1761, in 
honor of William Pitt (Earl of Chatham), the celebrated 
British statesman. Fare from Boston , $4.00. From this 
town there is a railroad to North Adams, eighteen miles 
distant. 

Near the State Line, which is 162 miles from Boston and 
38 from Albany, the Housatonic Railroad diverges in a 
southerly direction to Bridgeport, on Long Island Sound, 98 


/ 


76 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

miles, and also to the city of Hudson, on the Hudson River, 
33 miles. 

The cars of the Western Railroad stop at the depots at 
Canaan, Chatham Corners, Kinderhook, and Schodac, to 
land and receive passengers. At Greenbush there is a ferry 
across the river to Albany. 


CONNECTICUT RIVER ROUTE. 

From Springfield, Mass., extends the Connecticut River 
Railroad to Greenfield, a distance of thirty-six miles: it will 
no doubt be continued up the Connecticut River, to unite 
with the railroads from Boston, on their routes to the River 
St. Lawrence. The road from Springfield to Northampton, 
a distance of sixteen miles, was opened in 1845, and from 
thence to Greenfield, twenty miles, in 1846. This road, 
thirty-six miles, cost $1,010,542. 

Northampton is delightfully situated on the west side of 
the Connecticut River, on rising ground, about a mile from 
the river, and is surrounded by large tracts of fertile meadow- 
land. Here commences the Farmington Canal, which ex¬ 
tends to New-Haven, a distance of eighty-seven miles. 
The people are engaged in agricultural and manufacturing 
pursuits, although the former predominates. For some years 
past, it has prosecuted with spirit and success the rearing of 
the silk-worm, from which large quantities of sewing-silk 
are annually produced. 

Mount Tom is in the town of Northampton, and Mount 
Holyoke on the east or opposite side of the river ; the former 
is elevated 1214 feet and the latter 1120 feet above the 
Connecticut River. These mountains are now much visited, 



(rmi‘4 


CQNTIN U A TT O N 
of ih e 

FALL RIVER., 

AM) 

NEW BEDFORD ROUTES 


OLD COLOJNTY R.R. 

WITH PART OF THE 

, FALL RIVER ROUTE 


Eastoii 


rrQi'trr, 

•ff&v.ttor * 
'■ftBrcri'ster ' * 

wJ 

^Boston. Light 

^^llcrtort 

Wantasket- 


'o» ' i ' 

^ V\f,u tatleUl % 
frrf^ 5mil eslfiha rrz 
pstoruJ^x , 


' , cJ ^.Eas\ on 


Woonj: ‘ yL. 


•inm ’unet 


•ridgTWHter 


Nort 


is%2 7 jnHesfrSn\B oslg ; 


JEddyvillA 

y 


’Jfiticu 


UUiWhaiiL 


ShJp herdfcFacM 

T va. 


iCituatolfar. 


M< it to ci 


iJiaiti>^C/ 


.VWNTO 


'brge 


ibcrh 


\ Tour Conw's, 


rurruji 


Eajt^ 

binglon 


W.BiqhJtori 


iSawiimpsct, 


- =®^ Mvrwks 
(*rld er ‘ 42 i 


’ompse 


■o v Com 


rSQuittactLS 


orb oh. 


S.dpingtioTh 


VeetoWn 




Fun a ioc 


Wat^ipp a 


Brid g E , w’atf’i*V2T 

\c\, ife 


nd WO frdrk X 




^nCAAishtiet \ 


PI.YMOL’pi 


aynhani 


Bi/lipgtonP. 


Tairh-aYteji' 


Snotn^i 


S F.W 

BEDFOB.T)' ' 

omBostou 


rf. oflhe Southern. District of 1 TcwTirrfc 


Dx awn & Rn g' * by- "W. Willirfm s U. 











































— 















































































. . 

































. 




. 
















OLD COLONY RAILROAD. 


77 


and during the summer season present an opportunity for a 
delightful excursion. These elevations afford an extensive 
and beautiful prospect of the Connecticut valley and the 
surrounding country. 

Greenfield, at present the northern termination of the 
Connecticut River Railroad, is 36 miles above Springfield 
and 134 miles from Boston. The village is situated on an 
elevated plain, on the margin of Green River, and contains 
many handsome buildings. From Greenfield to Brattleboro’, 
Vt., is 21 miles; Bellows Falls, 45 ; Windsor, 70 ; Leba¬ 
non, N. H., 90; Haverhill, 128; and to Lancaster, 177 
miles. 


OLD COLONY RAILROAD. 

This road was opened for travel on the 19th of November, 
1845, and extends from the South Cove in Boston, to Ply¬ 
mouth, thirty-seven miles. It is designed to extend it 
through Sandwich to Barnstable on Cape Cod, a further dis¬ 
tance of twenty-eight miles. The cost of this road was 
$1,397,058. The depot is adjoining that of the Worcester 
(opposite the United States Hotel), where tickets are pro¬ 
cured before taking seats in the cars. 

Dorchester, the first stopping-place, four miles from Bos¬ 
ton, lies on Dorchester Bay, in Boston Harbor. It is under 
a high state of cultivation,—fruits, vegetables, and flowers 
being raised here in great abundance. This town, in con¬ 
sequence of the facilities for reaching Boston, has become a 
favorite place of residence for many of its citizens. 

Neponset Village, which is situated in the town of Dor- 


78 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Chester, is on the Neponset River, near its mouth. It has 
considerable trade, and the population is rapidly increasing. 

Quincy, eight miles from Boston, is situated on Quincy 
Bay, in Boston Harbor. The village, which is built on an 
elevated plain, is remarkable for its neatness and beauty. 
The ancestral estate of the Quincy family, one of the most 
beautiful residences in New England, is in this town. In a 
church in the village, erected in 1828, at a cost of $40,000, 
is a beautiful monument to the memory of John Adams and 
his wife. This town supplies the “ Quincy Granite,” noted 
for its durability and beauty. Immense quantities are annu¬ 
ally quarried and sent to various parts of the United States. 
By means of a railroad from the quarries to the Neponset 
River, this material is transported at a small cost. Fare 
from Boston, 25 cents. A branch road, six miles in length, 
extends from the Old Colony at South Abington Depot, 
twenty-one miles from Boston, to the town of Bridgewater. 

Plymouth, thirty-seven miles southeast from Boston, is 
celebrated as being the landing-place of the “ Pilgrims/’ 
who disembarked here on the 22d of December, 1620 ; and it 
is the oldest town in New England. Pilgrim Hall, the 
building most worthy of notice, contains a valuable painting 
representing the landing of the Pilgrims from the “ May 
Flower.” It is thirteen by sixteen feet, and is valued at 
$3000. The cabinet of the Pilgrim Society contains many 
valuable antiquities, which the visitor should not omit seeing. 
From Burying Hill, in the rear of the town, which is ele¬ 
vated 160 feet above the levekof the sea, is a fine view of 
the village, the harbor, and shipping beyond, with the coast 
for some miles in extent,—a prospect which is considered 
very beautiful. “ Plymouth Rock,” a deeply interesting 
spot to New Englanders, is near the termination of Leyden- 
street. 


FALL RIVER ROUTE. 


79 


The town contains about 200 ponds, many of them quite 
small; the largest, however, called the Billington Sea, is about 
six miles in circumference. It is situated two miles south¬ 
west of the village, and contains a good supply of pickerel 
and perch. 

Fare from Boston to Plymouth , $1.00. 

Stages convey passengers from Plymouth to Barnstable, 
twenty-eight miles, and to other places on Cape Cod. 


FALL RIVER ROUTE BETWEEN BOSTON AND 
NEW-YORK. 

This new route from Boston extends to Fall River, on 
Narragansett Bay, a distance of fifty-three miles ; thence by 
steamboat to Newport, R. I., eighteen miles ; and thence to 
New-York, 152 miles. The Fall River Railroad, forty-two 
miles in length, cost $828,083. 

Passengers in Boston take the cars, at the Old Colony de¬ 
pot, corner of Lincoln and Beach streets. 

This road leaves the Old Colony at Braintree, and passes on 
through Bridgewater to Fall River, one of the most flourish¬ 
ing towns of the commonwealth, having a population of about 
10,000. It is an important manufacturing town, on the 
Falls of the outlet of the Watuppa Ponds, at the junction of 
the stream with Taunton River, and near Mount Hope Bay. 
These ponds contain about 5,000 acres, being about eleven 
miles in length, and, on an average, about one mile in 
breadth. They are produced by deep, never-failing springs, 
and are two miles east of the village. The descent of the 
river is 13G feet in a regular volume of water, not liable to 
excess or diminution, and adequate to heavy manufacturing 


80 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


operations. The harbor of Fall River is safe, and of easy 
access, and has sufficient depth of water for ships of the lar¬ 
gest class. Several vessels from this port are engaged in 
the whale fishery, and many others are employed in the 
coasting trade. 

The principal business of this place consists in the manufac¬ 
ture of cotton, wool, machinery, stoves, the printing of calico, 
&c. The establishment for the manufacture of iron is on a 
very large scale, and is wholly operated by steam, employ¬ 
ing between 400 and 500 hands, and using up about thirty 
tons of pig and hoop iron per day. 

Fall River was, on Sunday, July 2d, 1843, visited by one 
of the most destructive fires which has ever occurred in the 
United States. About two hundred buildings, including the 
Pocasset Hotel, a splendid building, were consumed. The 
loss of property was estimated at upwards of half a million 
of dollars. Fare from Boston to Fall River, $1 35. 

At Fall River the railroad route from Boston terminates; 
and here passengers take the splendid steamer “ Bay State,” 
in which they are conveyed round Point Judith, and through 
Long Island Sound to New-York. The time usually occupied 
in going from Fall River to New-York is about 11 hours. 

There are regular stage routes from Fall River to New 
Bedford, Taunton, Bristol, and Providence. There is also a 
steamboat line to the latter place, a distance of twenty-eight 
miles, which plies daily, each way. 

Newport, one of the towns where the State Legislature 
holds its sessions, is situated on Rhode Island (the island 
from which the name of the State is derived), in Narragan- 
sett Bay, and is, by the channel, five miles from the sea, 
thirty miles southeast from Providence, seventy-one from Bos¬ 
ton, and 152 from New-York. The harbor, which is one of 


ROUTE BETWEEN BOSTON AND NEW BEDFORD. 81 

the finest in the world, is safe, and accessible by ships of the 
largest class. 

The town, lying on ground gradually rising from the wa¬ 
ter, has a beautiful site facing the harbor, in a southeasterly 
direction. It is celebrated for the salubrity of its climate, 
its cooling ocean breezes, and its fine views, which have 
made it a favorite resort during the summer season. Visit¬ 
ors and invalids will here find every accommodation, either 
at hotels or boarding-houses. Sea-bathing, fishing, sailing, 
and riding, are the chief amusements. In the waters in this 
vicinity there are about sixty different kinds of fish, compris¬ 
ing fin and shell-fish, which are taken in great abundance. 
The boats running between New-York and Fall River stop 
here to land and receive passengers. 


ROUTE BETWEEN BOSTON AND NEW BEDFORD. 

The cars from Boston leave the Providence Railroad de¬ 
pot at the foot of the “ Common,” and run on that road to 
Mansfield, twenty-five miles from Boston, where a branch 
railroad diverges in a southeast direction to Taunton, ele¬ 
ven miles ; and from thence by the New Bedford and Taun¬ 
ton Railroad, to New Bedford, a further distance of twenty 
miles. 

Taunton, a beautiful town, is situated on Mill River, at 
its junction with the Taunton River. The latter is navi¬ 
gable to Taunton for vessels of small draft, and is noted for 
its great water-power. The village, in the centre of the 
township, contains many handsome public and private build¬ 
ings, tastefully located around a fine enclosure, called Taun¬ 
ton Green, a public walk ornamented with trees. 


82 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


The Mount Pleasant Cemetery, near Taunton Green, is 
laid out in a tasteful manner, on the plan of Mount Auburn 
Cemetery, near Boston. Fare from Boston to Taunton, 75 
cents. 

New Bedford, an important place of business, and port of 
entry, is on the west side of the Acushnet River, a small 
stream, which falls into an estuary of Buzzard’s Bay. It is 
situated in north latitude 41° 37' 43", and west longitude 
75° 59', and is 56 miles from Boston, 230 from New-York, 
14 from Fall River, and 55 from Nantucket. Between the 
latter place and New Bedford there is a regular steamboat 
communication. 

The city of New Bedford is built upon rising ground, and 
the streets are laid out with much regularity, crossing each 
other at right angles. The buildings are mostly of wood, 
although more durable materials are now used to some ex¬ 
tent. Many of the houses are nearly surrounded by exten¬ 
sive and^well-cultivated gardens, and the streets on which 
they are built are bordered with ornamental trees. 

Among the public buildings of New Bedford, may be men¬ 
tioned the Town Hall, Custom-House, and Court-House. 
The former is a magnificent structure of granite, 100 feet 
long, 60 wide, and three stories high—the lower of which is 
used as a public market. The Custom-House, built of gra¬ 
nite, is also a fine structure. In this building is the Post- 
Office. The Court-House is a plain structure, built oi brick. 
The County Jail and House of Correction are near it. 

The whale fishing business is conducted here on a large 
scale. There are about 250 vessels belonging to New Bed¬ 
ford engaged in this trade, and employing many thousand 
seamen. During the year 1844, 4,961,281 gallons of oil, 
and 978,592 pounds of whalebone, were brought into this 
port, valued at $3,140,696. 


PROVIDENCE AND STONINGTON ROUTE. 


83 


The population of New Bedford in 1845, was about 
15,000. Fare from Boston to New Bedford, $1.50. Usual 
time 3 hours. 

BOSTON AND NEW-YORK ROUTE, via PROVIDENCE AND 
STONINGTON. 

In Boston, the passenger and freight depot of this import¬ 
ant thoroughfare is at the foot of Boyleston-street, near the 
“ Common.” This road, via Stonington, Conn., is one of 
the great connecting links between the cities of New-York 
and Boston ; and it is undoubtedly one of the best managed 
roads in the country. The road from Boston to Providence, 
forty-two miles, was opened for travel in June, 1834, and 
cost $2,109,455. At Providence, passengers cross a ferry 
to the opposite side of the river, where the route is continued 
to Stonington, Conn., on Long Island Sound, a distance from 
Boston of ninety miles. Here the passenger again takes the 
steamboat, and is wafted over the waters of Long Island 
Sound to the city of New-York, which place is usually 
reached in thirteen hours. 

The most important branch of this road is from Mans¬ 
field, passing through Taunton to New Bedford, thirty-one 
miles in length. The cars, on leaving the depot in Boston, 
cross the west bay to the city of Roxbury (incorporated 
March 12th, 1846), a beautiful suburb of Boston. This 
place is under a high state of cultivation, and it abounds in 
beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds ; and the villas of 
the more wealthy cannot but attract the attention of the 
visitor. Numerous omnibuses ply regularly between this 
city and Boston. 

Brook Farm Phalanx, a Fourier association founded in 


84 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


1841, by the Rev. George Ripley, of Boston, lies at the ex¬ 
treme western limits of the township of Roxbury. 

The vicinity of Jamaica Pond, in this town, is a very de¬ 
lightful and attractive spot. The cars pass within a short dis¬ 
tance of it. Fare 12^ cents. 

Dedham lies ten miles southwest from Boston. It is a 
very pleasant place, and the conveniences for reaching it from 
that city, make it a desirable residence. Fare 25 cents. 

Canton, fourteen miles from Boston, is a beautifully diver¬ 
sified and picturesque town. It is watered by the Neponset 
River, which, with the numerous ponds in its vicinity, gives 
this town an extensive water-power. The railroad bridge, 
which crosses the river at Canton, is considered one of the 
finest pieces of masonry in the country. It is of hewn gran¬ 
ite, is 612 feet in length, and elevated 63 feet above the 
foundation, resting on six arches, with a succession of 
arches on top. Its cost exceeded $90,000. A branch 
railroad to Stoughton Centre, four miles, leaves the Provi¬ 
dence Railroad near the bridge. 

Sharon occupies the highest land between Boston and 
Providence. The natural scenery of the town is exceedingly 
fine. Mashapoag Pond, a beautiful sheet of water, is over a 
mile in length, and rests upon a bed of iron ore. During 
the low stages of the water, quantities of the iron ore are ex¬ 
tracted by machines made for the purpose. Fishing and 
pleasure parties frequent this pond in the summer season. 
Fare from Boston, 50 cents. 

Foxboro ’ and Wrentham are noted for the large quantities 
of cotton and straw annually used in the manufacture of 
bonnets. In the latter town is a curious cavern, called 
Wampum's Rock, nine feet square and eight feet in height. 
Wrentham is twenty-eight miles from Boston, and about se- 


BOSTON AND PROVIDENCE RAILROAD. 


85 


ven miles west from the depot at Foxboro’. Fare to Fox- 
borough, 56 cents. 

At Mansfield, twenty-five miles from Boston, the New 
Bedford and Taunton Railroad meets the Boston and Pro¬ 
vidence Railroad. Fare from, Boston, 70 cents. 

The city of Providence, a port of entry, and the semi¬ 
capital of Rhode Island, and next to Boston, the second city 
in New England for population and trade, is situated in 41° 49' 
22" north latitude, and 71° 24' 48" west longitude. It is 42 
miles south-southwest from Boston, 173 east from New-York, 
30 north from Newport, 55 northeast from New London, 45 
southeast from Worcester, Mass., and 70 east from Hartford, 
Conn The population in 1840 was upwards of 23,000. 
The city is built on both sides of the river, and is connected 
by wide and substantial bridges. On the east side are three 
principal streets, running parallel with the river—Water, 
Main, and Benefit streets. On Main-street stand a number 
of public buildings, and many elegant brick edifices. On 
this side of the river the land rises abruptly, and the cross 
streets have a steep ascent. Benefit-street has an elevated 
situation,*and east of it the city is laid out with much regu¬ 
larity, the streets generally running in an east and west di¬ 
rection, crossed by others nearly at right angles. On the 
hill, overlooking the city, is located Brown University, a 
Baptist Institution, established here in 1770. From this 
place there is a delightful view of the city, with a great ex¬ 
tent of the surrounding country. 

Among the public buildings of Providence are a State 
House, City Hall, Hospital, Jail, State Prison, Custom- 
House, Athenaeum, the buildings of Brown University, The¬ 
atre, and a number of Churches. The Arcade, one of the 
finest buildings of its kind in the country, is situated on the. 


86 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


west side of the river, and fronts on two streets, extending 
from Weybosset-street on the one front, to Westminster-street 
on the other, with a fine Doric portico on each. It is 225 feet 
long, 80 feet broad, and 72 feet high, divided into three 
stories, containing upwards of eighty shops ; and the whole 
is lighted by a glass roof from above. It is built of granite, 
and was completed in 1828, having cost $130,000. 

The citizens of Providence have long been celebrated for 
their commercial spirit, and their large investments of capi¬ 
tal in foreign commerce ; but of late years, much of it has 
been diverted to the pursuit of domestic manufactures. The 
amount of capital invested in manufacturing establishments, 
within as well as without the city, is very great. The ma¬ 
nufactures consist chiefly of cotton goods, steam-engines, 
machinery, copper, brass, iron and tin wares, and numerous 
other articles. 

There are lines of packets that ply regularly to New- 
York, Albany, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The Black- 
stone Canal extends from Providence to Worcester, forty- 
five miles, passing through numerous manufacturing towns 
and villages scattered along the whole course of the Black- 
stone and Pawtucket rivers. The Providence and Worces¬ 
ter Railroad extends from Providence to Worcester, forty- 
five miles. A bridge is to be thrown across the Blackstone 
River, connecting this road with the Providence and Boston 
Railroad. Passengers from either Boston or New-York will 
notice, that upon the arrival of the cars at Providence, the 
river is crossed by steam ferry to the opposite shore, whence 
the cars are again taken either for Boston or Stonington. 
Fare from Boston, $1.25. Usual time 2 hours, and, to 
New-York about 11 hours. 

Pawtuxet Village, in Warwick township, is situated at 


BOSTON AND PROVIDENCE RAILROAD. 


87 


the mouth of the Pawtuxet River, four miles south from Pro¬ 
vidence. Its water-power is very great, and the manufac¬ 
ture of cotton goods is carried on to a considerable extent. 

Warwick, an important manufacturing town in Rhode 
Island, is situated on the west side of Narragansett Bay, six 
miles from Providence. The surface of the town in the vi¬ 
cinity of the Bay is generally flat, but in the western part it 
is hilly. From some of the elevations, a large part of the 
State and the Bay can be seen in clear weather. The vil¬ 
lage of Apponaug , in its south part, is on a branch of Narra¬ 
gansett Bay, and has a good harbor, about a mile distant, 
for vessels of any size, and those of from twenty to fifty tons 
come up to the village. A mile from Apponaug is “ Drum 
Rock,” a huge rock so completely balanced upon another, 
that a boy fourteen years of age can set it in motion, causing 
a noise more sonorous than that of a drum, and which in a 
still evening may be heard a distance of six or eight miles. 
This rock is considered a great curiosity, and is much visited 
in the summer season. 

Stonington, Conn., is situated at the eastern extremity of 
Long Island Sound ; and being the termination of the rail¬ 
road from Providence, it is an important point on this route, 
between New-York and Boston. The harbor of Stonington 
is well protected by a breakwater, which was made at the 
expense of the United States, and cost $50,000. Stoning¬ 
ton is 90 miles from Boston, 125 from New-York, 12 from 
New London. Usual time from Boston 4 hours. 

Here passengers for New-York take the steamboat, and 
are conveyed through Long Island Sound to that city, ar¬ 
riving there in about 9 hours. 


88 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


ROUTE FROM BOSTON TO NEW-YORK via WORCESTER 
AND NORWICH. 

Passengers leaving Boston by this route, will take the 
cars at the Worcester Depot, which is situated at the corner 
of Lincoln and Beach streets, and opposite the United States 
Hotel; and then proceed to Worcester, 44 miles from Bos¬ 
ton (see the Boston and Worcester route, at page 67)— 
from thence to Norwich, Ct., 59 miles—and to Allyn’s 
Point, 7 miles; a distance from Boston of 110 miles, and 
from New-York 128 miles, making the distance through 
238 miles, which is accomplished in about 13£ hours. At 
Allyn’s Point the steamboat will be in readiness to convey 
passengers over the Sound to New-York ; or across the 
Sound to Greenport, 32 miles; thence they are conveyed 
over the Long Island Railroad, 96 miles to Brooklyn, and 
across the ferry to New-York. Time 10£ hours. 

Oxford, eleven miles from Worcester, is an important 
manufacturing town. It is watered by French River, a 
branch of Quinnebaug River, which affords some water¬ 
power. 

Webster, incorporated as a town in 1832, and named in 
compliment to the Hon. Daniel Webster, is sixty miles from 
Boston. In this town is Chaubunagungamaug Pond, an 
Indian name signifying a sheet of water with many bays. 
This pond, together with French River, affords the town a 
large and unfailing water-power. 

Pomfret, Ct., contains the “ Wolf’s Den,” celebrated for 
the bold exploit of Major Gen. Putnam. 

Norwich is situated at the head of navigation on the 
Thames River, at the confluence of the Shetucket and Yan- 


J B £r 


i \b ostxn^fclq/. 


NieTneUA 


M 


m\V)Lm 


4a 




/wv® p 3§ 

) lltllWLCfcg j 


D 




Iticril a. 


Lo* 

MM 


letyroolc, 


l! 

InrtJ.a^ d t 

kJ 


m 

tl35 


131 


f o 77 iwa 11 7*di 
JFiEk 

L A &T C 


tffUinsv 


r u- 


3L= 


JgaJ 


Bl< 

fTKl 


CHE 


L 

arwan- 

MH 




)E< 


i \' 


lord 


Mtf 


JrTVqfcot \M 


ifcS 


^©fdfj jws 

fiA .VK 


bv 


/ H: 


oodba 


V „ 

®|oo|a 

J Bottsfcorjk p< 
Svipne % 

II ^ A K' RTf 

lr j^R^a.diuSsr 


w 


KOH 


om 


N t ViMfeH A 

dt 5 

%nlia npwreysvill 

.jRDorn^ft 

u : V w iiavk£v 
\ u 28 ; '0 7 yiilps- froi 
[/TrmnF 

66 j/ i-\ir-\ip^n 
MlLtOrd 


N, 


/rw?u- 


xEWOlUT, 

>h 


fill WfnvJkfT'k. 


Xon 


a o zr ^ 


^f'ilgj 

I 3 ? 


N.HAVEN, 

HARTF? A SPRIJNTGF? r. 

ROUTE ^ q U y 


V 


WITH l'.\HT OB THE 

ROUSATONIC R.R. 


Hop'kirHdti 

® %>j 


ShfiEpur] 
T> 


*Anbv 


cAfvon ; m i 0 D X t E/S 


a dirajm- 
10 (fi 


-jSfcZTc 


tPN jjf 


> ‘ttn 

dV^bsterr^ 

^^n4 lasa 


)fixdol 


vitTfo^h- 

I 

_/ - 


’affoim: 


FxhridoZ 


=>5 


ttvw rd/Pb 

■Smitlbid 0 


Bofflfcetl 


/ 


bi^ooKetn 
^fcaix^ei-bi 

^laiAidi 


/V f 

. <r J 

Tbom lis on 

f V V ^ 

flmg£ZcJicty V 

i S 4 ^ 


P c ^ 


0 : 


i 


i % 
I&awt 


-ttlebcp6c^f 

X.' j? 

# 


^T' 


=£^Scitu)a£e 

k /j^====‘ 

^' 7v * Oil 


BRISTOL, 


svmM& 

i[ 

oraY*/!-^ 

^ ScjMxuJb^X ^ 
rr/7iuyr|8A 


i.38 

L- 


detLitc 




oxsv; 


Cov»ntrv, 


:.W 


wa^ey 


3WT6? 
103 j 


7 


/TreerLWid l 
54 
--.fit 

if 


jnsvv 


m 


jr 


-©Trest 

> te\ E r V 4 /l^ 

^ lippldnioinjX^ 

W\ ™ 


listeter 

Bidirioiid 7 ^ 


^ZCA 

’7or<^ 

60i 


m 

M 




/V>rf.v ; 


ZWT7-707} 




XSzoniub 


N 

*Jbhms 
Point 

no, 

° , N C( f O N 

°j^j tiB 
XGrofon & J 




KdTGSTt 




Cl nil 


>R 4 






NEW YORK 

A N l> 






Fisd 


c^-v < ^ «®a^4tfi77 df c /» 

/ 5 1 A A T v ‘ ■ 


u 

BOSTON ROUTES 

V I \ 

PROVIDENCE 
and WORCESTER. 































« - 








































• . .« 






i 4 














.• 
































* • 
















































































•; - 



























































































* ; 
































































































* 


\ 

















































K 








WORCESTER AND NORWICH ROUTE. 


89 


tic rivers, whose united waters constitute the Thames. It 
is 13 miles north from New London, 38 southeast from 
Hartford, 38 southwest from Providence, and 59 northeast 
from New Haven. The city is built on a steep acclivity 
facing the south, the houses rising in terraces, street beyond 
street, and as approached from the south in coming up the 
river, it exhibits one of the most beautiful and interesting 
views on the route. The falls at Yanticville, a flourishing 
manufacturing village about a mile distant from Norwich, 
are a curiosity, being singularly wild and picturesque. From 
a high projecting rock which overhangs the foot of these 
falls, the Mohegan Indians formerly plunged to destruction, 
when pursued by the Narragansetts, preferring thus to perish, 
than fall into the hands of their enemies. About a mile east 
of Norwich is the flourishing manufacturing village of Green¬ 
ville, situated on the Shetucket River. There is a dam 
across the river at this place, which furnishes a large amount 
of water-power for manufacturing purposes. Paper is made 
here to a great extent. 

The railroad, on leaving Norwich, in a few miles crosses 
the river at Jewett’s City, and from thence extends up the 
beautiful valley of the Quinnebaug to the State of Massachu¬ 
setts, and unites with the Boston and Worcester Railroad at 
Worcester, 59 miles from Norwich. From the latter place 
the railroad extends to Allyn’s Point, 7 miles, which is the 
termination of the railroad route from Boston. From Al¬ 
lyn’s Point the traveller proceeds to New-York in a com¬ 
modious steamboat, which on its way down the river stops 
at New London to land and receive passengers. Fare from 
Boston to Norwich, $2.75. Usual time to Allyris Point, 
4\ hours. 

New London is admirably situated on the west bank of 


90 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

the Thames, about three miles north of the Sound. It is 13 
miles south from Norwich, 42 southeast from Hartford, 54 
east of New Haven, and 120 from New-York. It has one of 
the best harbors in the United States, with water of sufficient 
depth for the largest vessels, and is seldom frozen. The city 
is defended by Forts Trumbull and Griswold, the former be¬ 
ing on the New London side of the river, a mile below the 
city, and the latter on the opposite side, on an eminence 
overlooking the city of New London. 

A few years after the last war with Great Britain, the 
merchants of New London turned their attention to the 
whale and seal fisheries, which have become an important 
branch of commerce. About $2,000,000 are invested iu 
this trade. There is also a number of vessels employed in 
the shore fisheries, which supply the markets of New-York, 
and most of the neighboring cities, with fish. 

On the 6th of September, 1781, a large portion of New 
London was laid in ashes by the British, under the traitor 
Arnold. Fort Griswold was captured, and great part of the 
garrison barbarously put to the sword. A granite obelisk, 
125 feet high, erected near the spot, commemorates the 
event; and on a tablet are inscribed the names of those who 
fell on that occasion. During the last war New London was 
blockaded for some length of time by a British squadron un¬ 
der the command of Commodore Hardy. 


NEW HAVEN. 


91 


ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO NEW HAVEN, HARTFORD 
AND SPRINGFIELD. 

Passengers leave New-York daily by steamboat from 
Peck Slip, East River, for New Haven, a distance of eighty 
miles, which place is usually reached in about five hours. 
As the boat leaves the wharf, and proceeds up the East Ri¬ 
ver, the traveller will have an opportunity of viewing the 
upper portion of the city, bordering on the river, with its 
shipping and ship-building ; and on the Long Island shore, 
Brooklyn, its Navy Yard, and Williamsburg. Four miles 
above New-York is Blackwell’s Island, upon which is the 
Penitentiary, and a short distance beyond is Astoria, a sub¬ 
urb of New-York ; from whence we pass through Hurl Gate, 
onwards to Throg’s Point, then into the broad expanse of 
Long Island Sound, which extends to Fisher’s Island, a dis¬ 
tance of upwards of a hundred miles. As the boat proceeds 
up the Sound the shore on either side becomes dim, in con¬ 
sequence of the distance we are from it, except some of the 
more prominent headlands, which extend some distance be¬ 
yond the general line of the Connecticut shore. 

New Haven, the semi-capital of Connecticut, is situated 
at the head of a bay which sets up four miles from Long 
Island Sound, in 41° 18' 30" north latitude, and 72° 56' 45" 
west longitude from Greenwich. Population in 1840,12,960. 
The city, which lies on a plain, with a gentle inclination 
towards the water, is in other directions skirted by an am¬ 
phitheatre of hills, which at their termination present bold 
bluffs of trap-rocks, rising nearly perpendicularly to the 
height of 330 to 370 feet, and constituting a striking feature 
of the scenery. From the summit of these bluffs is presented 


92 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


a fine view of the city, of Long Island Sound, here about 
twenty miles wide, and of the adjacent country. The har¬ 
bor is entered by three rivers—Quinnipiac on the east. West 
River on the west, and by Mill River on the east. Quin¬ 
nipiac, towards its mouth, furnishes great quantities of fine 
oysters and clams, to the trade in which the village of Fair- 
haven chiefly owes its prosperity. New Haven consists of 
two parts—the Old Town and the New Town—and is laid 
out with great regularity. The Old Town was laid out in 
the form of a square, half a mile wide, divided into nine 
smaller squares. These squares have, by intersecting streets, 
been divided into four parts. The central was reserved for 
public purposes, and may vie with the public grounds of any 
other city in the country. On this square are located three 
churches, of various architecture, and which are not excelled 
by any similar edifices in New England. The State-House, 
a splendid edifice of the Doric order of architecture, after the 
model of the Parthenon at Athens, stands near the centre of 
the western half of this square. On its west side, is the fine 
row of buildings belonging to Yale College.—There is a 
public cemetery at the northwest corner of the Old Town, 
that has been denominated the P£re-la- Chaise of America. 
Beautifully ornamented with trees and shrubbery, this “ gar¬ 
den of graves” deservedly attracts much attention from 
visitors. 

There are twenty Churches in New Haven, a Custom- 
House, a Jail, an Alms-House, a State General Hospital, three 
Banks and a Savings Institution, a Young Men’s Institute, 
and an Institution for the support of Popular Lectures, with a 
well-selected library. Yale College , founded in 1701, and 
named in honor of Elihu Yale, of London, who bequeathed 
it X500, and an equal amount in goods, the latter of which 


NEW HAVEN. 


93 


were never received, is the most important public institution 
in the city. Besides possessing the most splendid minera- 
logical cabinet in the United States, consisting of more than 
16,000 specimens, it has a magnificent collection of paint¬ 
ings, by Trumbull and other distinguished artists. It has 
33,000 volumes in its libraries. Though possessing limited 
funds, it has more students than any other college in the 
Union. 

The harbor of New Haven is safe, but shallow, and is 
gradually filling up with mud in its northwestern part. 
When the first settlers arrived it was sufficiently deep for all 
the purposes of commerce, and ships were built and launched 
where now are meadows, gardens, and buildings. The ma¬ 
ritime commerce of New Haven, however, is extensive, its 
foreign trade being chiefly with the West Indies.—A line of 
steamboats plies daily between this city and New-York; 
and there are several lines of packets running to the same 
place. The Farmington Canal connects it with Northamp¬ 
ton and with the Connecticut River near it. Usual fare 
from New-York, $1.50. 

New Haven will, in the course of another year, be united 
wjth New-York by the railroad, now building, which is to 
connect with the Harlem Railroad, near Williams’ Bridge, 
fourteen miles north from the city of New-York. 

Sachem’s Head, a wild and picturesque spot, sixteen miles 
southeast from New Haven, and three miles south of Guil¬ 
ford, is an attractive watering-place during the sultry months 
of summer. It has a good hotel, with ample accommoda¬ 
tions for visitors, near which the steamboat lands its pas¬ 
sengers. 

The railroad to Hartford proceeds from the eastern part 
of New Haven, round in front of the East Rock, and then 


94 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION 


takes a route up the valley of the Quinm'piac River, to Wal¬ 
lingford, on the east bank, and thence to Hartford. Fare 
from New Haven to Hartford $1.00, and from New-York 
$2.50. 



Hartford is situated on the west side of Connecticut Ri¬ 
ver, fifty miles from its mouth, and is in latitude 41° 45' 50" 
north, and longitude 72° 50' 45" west from Greenwich. 
The population at the present time is about 15,000. It is 
34 miles north-northeast from New Haven, 2!) south from 
Springfield, 44 northwest from New London, 15 north from 
Middletown, 73 west from Providence, R. I., 127 from Boston, 
and 114 from New-York. The city, which is built on 
ground rising gradually from the river, is laid out with little 
regularity, appearing to have been more the result of circum¬ 
stances than of foresight and design. Many of its streets, 
however, are attractive from the elegance of their edifices, 
as well as important from the extensive business of which 




















HARTFORD. 


95 


they are the seat. The scene of the principal retail business 
is in Main-street, which, broad, but not entirely straight, 
extends through the city from north to south, presenting an 
almost unbroken range of buildings, many of them large and 
elegant. Most of the public buildings are in this street ; 
and here Mill River, which crosses the city from west to 
east, is passed by a bridge 100 feet wide, consisting of a 
single arch of 104 feet span, elevated 30 feet 9 inches above 
the bed of the river to the top of the arch From Morgan- 
street, a bridge of six arches of 160 feet each, crosses the 
Connecticut River to East Hartford. It is a costly and sub¬ 
stantial structure. 

Hartford, from its situation, is calculated to become a 
place of considerable commerce. The Connecticut River, 
which has been made navigable 120 miles above the city, 
brings to it a great amount of the produce of the fertile 
country through which it flows. Steamers ply daily to 
New-York; and there are two steam freight packets—one 
of which runs to Philadelphia, the other to Albany. There 
are also packet lines to Boston, Albany, New London, Nor¬ 
wich, Providence, and Fall River. 

Of the public buildings, the State-House is the most promi¬ 
nent. It fronts on Main-street, standing on the public square, 
and is surrounded by an iron railing, and ornamented with 
trees. It is of the Doric order of architecture. The legislature 
holds its sessions here—meeting at Hartford and New Ha¬ 
ven on alternate years, the odd years at Hartford.—The 
City Hall, also in the Doric style, is a large building, fronting 
on Market-street, between Kingsley and Temple streets. 
Trinity College, formerly Washington College , founded in 
1824, and finely located in the southwestern part of the city, 
is under the direction of the Episcopalians.—The Athenceutn , 


96 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


an elegant edifice of the Doric order, was erected for the 
accommodation of the Young Men’s Institute, the Historical 
Society, and a Gallery of Paintings.—Hartford has the honor 
of having established the first institution for the relief of that 
most unfortunate class of persons, the deaf and dumb—the 
American Asylum. This establishment was opened for the 
reception of pupils in 1817, the number of whom rapidly in¬ 
creased from 7 to 140, which rather exceeds the average. 
The institution has spacious buildings, with eight, or ten 
acres of ground attached. Congress also granted it a township 
(or 23,000 acres) of land in Alabama, to constitute a perma¬ 
nent fund.—The Retreat for the Insane, an equally merito¬ 
rious institution, is on an elevated site, a mile and a quarter 
southwest of the State-House. The grounds around the 
buildings are laid out with much taste, and ornamented with 
shrubbery and gardens.—There are in the city several church¬ 
es, some of which are remarkable for their architecture, five 
banks, a bank for savings, and four insurance companies. 

The old burying-ground here, is a place of much interest, 
containing as it does the monuments of some of the first set¬ 
tlers of the place. Another attraction to visitors, is the 
“ Charter Oak,” with whose history every one is familiar, 
and which must continue to be an object of interest as long 
as it exists. 

During the season of navigation, steamboats for the con¬ 
veyance of passengers usually ply between Hartford and 
Springfield. 

From Hartford the railroad route is continued up the west 
side of the Connecticut River, crossing it by a substantial 
bridge at Windsor Locks, thence continuing "its course on 
the east bank of the river to Springfield. From the latter 
place passengers are conveyed to Boston by the Western 


HOUSATONIC RAILROAD. 


97 


and Worcester railroads in about five hours, and from Spring- 
field to Albany, N. Y., in about the same time. (See de¬ 
scriptions of these routes at pages 67 and 71). Usual time 
from JYew-York to Springfield 8 hours—fare $3.25. 


ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO BRIDGEPORT, Ct., AND 
THE HOUSATONIO RAILROAD. 

Passengers at New-York take the steamboat from the foot 
of Market-street, East River, and in about four hours reach 
Bridgeport on Long Island Sound, a distance of sixty miles. 
Here is the commencement of the Housatonic Railroad, 
which extends to the State line of Massachusetts, where it 
meets the Western Railroad from Boston to Albany. This 
is now the usual route ( during the winter season ) between 
New-York and Albany : the time occupied is about 12 hours. 
From the State line of Massachusetts, this road is continued to 
the city of Hudson, on the Hudson River, under the name 
of the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad. 

Bridgeport is situated on the west side of an arm of Long 
Island Sound, which receives Pequanock River, a considera¬ 
ble mill-stream. This is one of the most beautiful and 
flourishing places in New England. The city is chiefly 
built on an elevated plain, twelve feet above high-water. 
Northwest of the city the ground gradually rises to the 
height of fifty feet, called Golden Hill, the summit of which 
is a plain, with a commanding view of the Sound and sur¬ 
rounding country. There is a bridge across the harbor 
1236 feet in length, with a draw for the passage of vessels. 
Carriages and saddlery are extensively manufactured for 
exportation. Population in 1840, 4570. 


98 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Cornwall, fifty-nine miles north of Bridgeport, is where 
the Foreign Mission School was established in 1818, in 
which some distinguished heathen youth have been educated 
as missionaries, who have been useful among the American 
Indians, and in the Sandwich Islands. In the village grave¬ 
yard is a monument erected to the memory of Henry Oboo- 
kiah, a pious Owyheean youth, who was brought to this 
country in 1808, and from whom this school had its origin, 
in the attempt to qualify him for missionary labors. 

Canaan Falls is the most extensive cascade in the State of 
Connecticut. A ledge of limestone rocks crosses the Hou- 
satonic River at this place, causing a perpendicular fall of 
sixty feet, which affords extensive water-power. (For con¬ 
tinuation of this route, see map at page 74.) 

Sheffield, Mass., eighty miles north of Bridgeport, is one 
of those delightful towns, where the lover of majestic moun¬ 
tain scenery wishes to linger. The village, which is very 
neat, is situated in a beautiful valley, surrounded by hills, 
one of which rises to the height of 3200 feet, presenting a 
great variety of delightful scenery. 

Monument Mountain, in the town of Great Barrington, 
derives its name from a rude pile of stones on its southeastern 
point, raised over the grave of a beautiful Indian girl, who 
threw herself from the mountain and fell upon this spot, 
through the influence of a passionate love for one with whom 
the religion of her tribe would not allow her to be united in 
marriage. Every Indian, who afterwards passed the place, 
threw a stone upon the grave to commemorate the event. 

West Stockbridge is the terminus of the Housatonic Rail¬ 
road from Bridgeport; but a branch railroad, of about two 
miles in length, unites it to the Western Railroad at the 
State line, where there is a depot, from which the traveller 


HUDSON AND BERKSHIRE RAILROAD. 


99 


is conveyed over the Albany and West Stockbridge Rail¬ 
road to Greenbush, and across the ferry to Albany. 


THE HUDSON AND BERKSHIRE RAILROAD 

extends from West Stockbridge, Mass., to the city of Hud¬ 
son on the Hudson River, and connects at the State line, and 
also at Chatham Four-Corners, with the Western Railroad 
to Boston and Albany, and with the Housatonic Railroad to 
Bridgeport. Its length is thirty-one miles, and it was 
opened for travel in September, 1838. The original cost of 
constructing the whole distance, including outfit, &c., was 
$575,613. In 1845 there were 17,989 passengers trans¬ 
ported over it. 

This road forms a direct route for summer travel from 
New-York city, and indeed all the towns on the river below 
Hudson, to New Lebanon Springs , one of the most delight¬ 
ful watering-places in the country. By this route the tra¬ 
veller can leave New-York at 7 o’clock in the morning by 
the steamer, and reach Hudson at 3 o’clock, P. M., where 
the cars of the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad are in readi¬ 
ness to convey him to Edwards Depot, twenty-eight miles 
from Hudson, and eight miles from the Springs, where the 
company have in readiness a line of stages, with careful 
drivers, that in one hour reach Lebanon Springs. 

Visitors can also reach these Springs by the Housatonic 
Railroad, the company having made arrangements for the 
purpose. Passengers for this delightful watering-place will 
leave New-York for Bridgeport in the steamer Mountaineer, 
from the foot of Market-street, East River, at 6^ o’clock, 
A. M.; arrived at Bridgeport, they will take the fine cars 


100 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


of the company, and reach the Massachusetts State Line 
Depot at 3£ o’clock, P. M. ; thence to Lebanon Springs by 
stage-coach, arriving at 5% o’clock, P. M., of the same day. 
Fare through, $2 50. 

These Springs can also be reached by the cars of the Al¬ 
bany and West Stockbridge Railroad to the State line, 
thence by stage to the Springs. 

From Boston and the eastward they can be reached by 
the cars on the Western Railroad, stopping at the State line, 
and taking the stage as above stated. 

New Lebanon is situated in the northeast corner of Co¬ 
lumbia County, N. Y., on the turnpike-road from Albany to 
Pittsfield, Mass. ; it is twenty-five miles from the former and 
seven from the latter place. It is delightfully situated in a 
valley, surrounded by cultivated hills, which present varie¬ 
gated and peculiarly pleasing scenery. This is the chief 
seat of the family of Shakers, a religious community practis¬ 
ing celibacy, and alike remarkable for their mode of worship, 
and the singular order and economy of their domestic con¬ 
cerns. The society, which numbers about 600, owns 3000 
acres of excellent and highly improved land. 

This place has become a great resort for visitors from all 
directions ; some to enjoy the romantic scenery of this re¬ 
gion, and others the beneficial influence of the waters. The 
Spring, a mile and a half from the village, is on the side of 
a hill; it is ten feet in diameter, and four feet deep, and dis¬ 
charges water sufficient to turn a mill near its source. The 
temperature is 72° Fahrenheit, which being near summer 
heat renders it delightful for the bath. The water is taste¬ 
less, pure as crystal, inodorous, and soft, and is deemed 
beneficial in internal obstructions, salt-rheum, and cutaneous 
affections generally. 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


101 



The Park, &c., taken from a window in the Museum. 

NEW-YORK CITY. 


This city, the great emporium and metropolis of Amer¬ 
ica, enjoys from nature a decided superiority over every other 
city in the Union. Its vicinity to the ocean, and its direct 
avenues of intercourse, not only with every part of its own 
State, but with New England and the States bordering south 
and west, and through these with every other section of the 
country, offer facilities for trade and commerce not surpassed 
in any other portion of the world. 

The latitude of New-York from the City Hall is 40° 42' 
43" north ; longitude west from Greenwich 73° 59' 46"— 
east from Washington city 3° 1' 13". 

The population at different periods has been as follows: 
in 1656, it was 1000; in 1697, 4302; 1731, 8622 ; 1750, 
























102 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


10,000; 1774, 22,750; 1800, 60,489; 1810,96,373; 1820, 
123,706; 1830, 202,957; 1835, 270,089; 1840, 312,710; 
at the present time (1847) it probably reaches 400,000— 
making it, among the commercial cities of the world, the 
third in population ; while it is the second in commercial 
importance, being surpassed only by London in the extent of 
its commerce. 

The compact portion of the city is built on the south end 
of Manhattan Island, at the junction of the Hudson with the 
East River, which connects the waters of Long Island Sound 
with the harbor of New-York. The island is 14J miles long 
from north to south, varying from half a mile to somewhat 
more than two miles in width—the greatest width being at 
88th-street—and contains about 22 square miles. It is 
bounded on the east by the East and Harlem Rivers, the 
former separating it from Long Island Sound ; on the west 
by Hudson River, which separates it from New Jersey ; and 
on the north by Harlem River—a part of which, between 
Kingsbridge and the Hudson, received from the Dutch the 
name of Spuyten Duyvel Creek. 

Constant communication between the city and its rapidly 
increasing and picturesque suburbs, is kept up by means of 
steam ferry-boats, the Harlem Railroad, omnibuses, &c.; 
the fares being extremely moderate, with accommodations 
not excelled by similar conveyances belonging to any other 
city. 

The Harbor of New-York, which is perfectly safe, and 
easy of access, extends eight miles south of the city to the 
“ Narrows,” and is twenty-five miles in circumference, being 
sufficiently capacious to contain the united navies of the 
world. The variegated scenery upon its shores, together 
with the neatly-built cottages, the country-seats of opulent 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


103 


citizens, and the fine view of the islands, and of the city of 
New-York in approaching it from the “ Narrows,” impart to 
this harbor a beauty unsurpassed by that of any other in the 
world. The outer harbor, or bay, extends from the Narrows 
to Sandy Hook, where is a light-house, at the distance of 
eighteen miles from the city. 

In the harbor adjoining the city are Governor’s, Bedloe’s, 
and Ellis’s Islands, on all of which are strong fortifications. 
The first, which is the most important of the three, in¬ 
cludes 70 acres of ground, and is situated 3200 feet from 
the Battery. It has Fort Columbus in the centre, and on its 
northeast point Castle William, a round tower 600 feet in 
circumference and GO feet high, with three tiers of guns. 
There is also a battery on the northwest side, commanding 
the entrance through Buttermilk Channel, a strait which 
separates it from Brooklyn, L. I. Besides these fortifica¬ 
tions, the harbor of New-York is well defended by similar 
works on Bedloe’s and Ellis’s Islands; at the Narrows, on 
the Long Island shore, by Fort Hamilton, and Fort Lafayette 
(formerly called Fort Diamond), which is built on a reef of 
rocks, about 200 yards from the shore ; and on Staten 
Island, opposite, by Forts Tompkins and Richmond. The 
Narrows here is about one third of a mile wide. The en¬ 
trance from the Sound on the East River is defended by 
Fort Schuyler, on Throg’s Neck. 

The first settlement of New-York was made at the south¬ 
ern extremity of the city, which accounts for many of the 
streets being narrow and crooked, no regular order having 
been observed in laying them out. In later times many of 
the streets have been widened and improved, at a great ex¬ 
pense. The streets in the northern part of the city are laid 
out straightly, and some of them are of considerable width. 


104 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Many of the most splendid mansions and places of religious 
worship of which the city can boast, are to be seen in this 
quarter. 

The most elegant and fashionable street is Broadway, 
which traverses the city in a straight line from north to 
south, being miles in length and 80 feet in breadth, and 
terminating at Union Square, where it is connected with the 
Fourth Avenue. It is occupied by many splendid stores, 
elegant houses, and public buildings, and few streets in the 
world equal it for the splendor and bustle it exhibits. It is 
also the great promenade of the city, being much resorted to 
in pleasant weather by the gay and fashionable. 

Public Walks, Squares, &c.—The Battery , which con¬ 
tains about eleven acres, is situated at the extreme south 
end of the city, at the commencement of Broadway, and is 
planted with trees and laid out in gravelled walks. From 
this place is a delightful view of the harbor and its islands— 
of the numerous vessels arriving and departing, and of the 
adjacent shores of New Jersey, and Staten and Long Islands. 
Castle Garden is connected with the Battery by means of 
a bridge: it is used for public meetings and exhibitions, and 
is capable of containing within its walls 10,000 persons. 
Since the destruction of Niblo’s Garden by fire (September, 
1846) the fairs of the American Institute, which were for¬ 
merly held there, have been removed to this capacious place. 
The Bowling Green, situated near the Battery and at the 
commencement of Broadway, is of an oval form, and sur¬ 
rounded by an iron railing. Within its enclosure is a foun¬ 
tain, in the form of a rude pile of rocks about fifteen feet in 
in height. 

The Park is a triangular enclosure situated about the 
centre of the city, and is eleven acres in extent; it contains 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


105 


the City Hall and other buildings, and near the south end is 
a fountain, the basin of which is 100 feet in diameter: the 
water, when made to issue in a single stream, ascends to the 
height of about 75 feet. St. John's Park, in Hudson Square, 
is four acres in extent, and is the property of Trinity Church. 
It is beautifully laid out in walks, with shade-trees, and kept 
in excellent order: it has a fountain in its centre, and is 
surrounded by an iron railing which cost about $26,000. 
Washington Square, or Parade Ground, in the north part of 
the city, contains about ten acres, surrounded by a wooden 
fence. A portion of this Square was formerly the Potter’s 
Field. Union Square is situated at the upper end or termi¬ 
nation of Broadway. It is of oval form, and is enclosed 
with an iron railing: its centre is ornamented with a foun¬ 
tain. Grammercy Park, near Union Square, and Tompkins 
Square, in the northeast part of the city, are handsomely 
laid out in walks, and shaded with trees. There are other 
squares further up the city— Madison, Hamilton, &c.—which 
are extensive, but not yet laid out. 

Churches, Public Buildings, &c — The city of New-York 
can boast of many splendid public buildings. The new 
Trinity Church may be regarded as the best specimen of 
pure Gothic architecture in the country. (The engraving 
which follows represents a view of this church from the 
Custom-House steps, Wall-street.) 


106 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION 



The following is a brief history of the origin of this church. 
The first religious services of this society (at that time 
known as the “ Church of England in America”) were held 
in a small chapel which stood near the Battery. The rapid 
increase of the congregation made it necessary to erect a 
larger and more commodious edifice, which was done in 
16%, during the reign of William III. and Mary. It was 
















KEW-YORK CITY. 


107 


first opened for divine service in February, 1697, by the 
Rev. Mr. Vesey, Rector of New-York. In 1735 it was 
found necessary to make an addition at its east end, and two 
years afterwards it was again enlarged on the north and 
south sides. This building was 146 feet long and 72 wide, 
with an ornamented steeple 180 feet high. During the 
awful conflagration of the city in September, 1776, this spa¬ 
cious edifice was entirely destroyed, and remained a heap of 
ruins during the Revolutionary war. “ From the size and 
height of this noble structure, from the simple style of its ar¬ 
chitecture, from the lofty trees which embosomed it, and the 
graves and monuments of the dead which surrounded it on 
every side, it presented to the spectator a striking object of 
contemplation, and impressed him with ideas connected with 
reverence.” At the close of the war it was again rebuilt, 
and consecrated in 1790 by Bishop Provost. This edifice 
was not as spacious as the one destroyed, it being only 104 
feet long and 72 feet wide, and the steeple about 200 feet 
high. In 1839 this building was taken down, and the pre¬ 
sent magnificent edifice erected in its place. It is built 
throughout of sandstone, is without galleries, and capable of 
seating with comfort 800 persons; it is 189 feet long, 84 
feet wide, and 64 feet high; the height of the tower, includ¬ 
ing the spire, is 264 feet. It cost nearly $400,000. The 
tower contains a chime of bells and a clock. In the grave¬ 
yard adjoining the church may be seen the monuments of 
Hamilton, Lawrence, and others, who occupy an enviable 
distinction in the history of the country. Trinity Church is 
the oldest and richest Episcopal society in America ; she 
annually devotes a large portion of her vast income in the 
erection and support of churches throughout the State. Her 
corporation, or vestry, whose business it is to conduct the 


108 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


affairs of the church, is composed of men of high standing in 
society, and who are usually characterized as being just and 
liberal in their official capacity. 

There ate about 220 churches in the city, many of which 
are magnificent and expensive structures ; and the number is 
constantly increasing, especially in the upper part of the city. 

The City Hall, a building of the Corinthian and Ionic or¬ 
ders, displaying a fine combination of taste and elegance, is 
216 feet long, 105 feet wide, and, inclding the attic story, 
65 feet high. The first stone of this edifice was laid in 
1803, and its construction occupied, with little intermission, 
a period of ten years. It covers 22,896 square feet of 
ground, is two stories high above the basement, with an 
attic story in the centre of the building. The front and the 
ends are of white marble ; the rear of Nyack freestone. 

In this building are twenty-eight offices with other public 
rooms, the principal of which is the Governor’s room, a splen¬ 
did apartment appropriated to the use of that functionary on 
his visiting the city, and occasionally to that of other distin¬ 
guished individuals. The walls of this room are embellished 
with a fine collection of portraits of men celebrated in the 
civil, military, or naval history of the country. It is 52 feet 
long by 20 feet wide. In the Common Council room is the 
identical chair occupied by Washington when President of 
the first American Congress, which assembled in this city. 

The Merchants’ Exchange, in Wall-street, is built in the 
most durable manner of Quincy granite, and is fire-proof, no 
wood having been used in its construction, except for the 
doors and window frames. It is erected on the site occu¬ 
pied by the exchange building destroyed by the great fire of 
]835. The present one, however, covers the entire block, 
and is 200 feet long by 171 to 144 feet wide, 77 feet high to 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


109 


the top of the cornice, and 124 feet to the top of the dome. 
The entire cost, including ground, is estimated at $1,800,000. 

The Custom House is situated on the corner of Wall 
and Nassau streets. It is built of white marble, in the Doric 
order of Grecian architecture, similar to the model of the 
Parthenon at Athens. It is 200 feet long, 90 wide, and 80 
high. The great hall for the transaction of business, is a 
circular room 60 feet in diameter, surmounted by a dome, 
supported by 16 Corinthian columns, 30 feet high, at the top 
of which is a sky-light through which the hall is lighted. 

A short distance above, in Nassau-street, is the Post- 
Office, formerly the Middle Dutch Church, now rented to the 
general government for $5000 a year, on a lease for seven 
years. The inside has been fitted up suitably for the busi¬ 
ness of the office, no other alteration having been made in 
the building. There is a branch Post-Office at the corner 
of East Broadway and Chatham Square. 

The Halls of Justice, or “ Tombs,” is located in Centre- 
street, between Leonard and Franklin streets. It is a sub¬ 
stantial looking building of the Egyptian style of architecture, 
is two hundred and fifty-three feet long and two hundred 
wide, constructed of a light-coloured granite brought from 
Hallowell, Me. 

Literary Institutions, &c. —Of the literary institutions 
of New-York, Columbia College, at the foot of Park Place, 
is the oldest, having been chartered by George II. in 1754, 
by the name of King’s College. The original name was 
changed to Columbia College in 1784. It has a president 
and ten professors, 1170 alumni, 100 students, and a library 
containing 14,000 volumes. The building contains a chapel 
lecture-room, hall, museum, and an extensive philosophical 
and chemical apparatus. The Grammar School attached to 
8 


110 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


the College has usually from 200 to 300 scholars, and in¬ 
struction is given in all the branches necessary for admission 
into any college, or for the performance of the business of 
the counting-room. 

The University of the City of New - York is in University 
Place, opposite Washington Square. It is built of white 
marble, in the Gothic style, and is 180 feet long and 100 
wide. The building contains a chapel, which receives its 
light from a window of stained glass in the west front, 24 
feet wide and 50 high. This institution was founded in 
1831, has a president and 11 professors, a valuable library, 
and philosophical apparatus. 

The Union Theological Seminary, founded in 1836, is 
located in University Place, between Seventh and Eighth 
streets. It has 6 professors, about 100 students, and a library 
containing over 16,000 volumes. 

The General Theological Seminary of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church in the United States is situated at the cor¬ 
ner of 9th Avenue and 2lst-street. It was founded in 1819, 
and consists of two buildings, constructed of stone, in the 
Gothic style of architecture. 

The Rutgers Female Institute, in Madison-street, has a 
fine building, a valuable library, and philosophical apparatus. 

The New-York Society Library is on Broadway, corner 
of Leonard-street. This institution was founded in 1754, 
and has a library of about 40,000 volumes, a lecture-room, 
and rooms for the Academy of Design. 

The Apprentices' Library, situated in Crosby street, has 
a library of 12,000 volumes, and offers facilities for the culti¬ 
vation of the mind, of which a large number of apprentices 
have availed themselves. Here is also the Mechanics' 
School, which has many teachers and 550 pupils. 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


Ill 


The New- York Hospital, situated on Broadway, opposite 
Pearl-street, has extensive buildings, and is finely located. 

The New-York Lunatic Asylum is at Bloomingdale, 
near the Hudson : attached to it are 40 acres of ground, laid 
out in gardens, pleasure grounds, and walks. Being on ele¬ 
vated ground, a fine view of the Hudson River, with the 
surrounding country, is here obtained. The principal build¬ 
ing, which is of stone, cost, with its grounds, upwards of 
$200,000. It contains 150 patients. 

Hotels. —The hotels in New-York are numerous, and 
well kept, and are not surpassed in comfort and accommo¬ 
dation, by those of any other city in the Union. 

The Astor House, in Broadway, may be considered 
among the first in point of attraction, although there are 
many others equally as well kept. This building was erect¬ 
ed by Mr. John Jacob Astor, and opened on the 31st of 
May, 1836 ; it is built of Quincy granite, in a remarkably 
massive style, simple and chaste, is five stories high, with a 
front of 201 feet on Broadway, directly opposite the Park, 
154 on Barclay-street, and 146^ on Vesey-street. Its height 
is 77 feet, and it contains upwards of 300 rooms. The di¬ 
ning room is 108 feet by 42. The entire cost of the build¬ 
ing, including the ground, was about $750,000. The price 
of board per day in this establishment is $2.00. 

The American Hotel is pleasantly situated at 229 Broad¬ 
way, opposite the Park. Board $2.00 per day. 

The Athenceum Hotel, 347 Broadway, is a well kept house. 
Board per day $1.50. 

The Atlantic Hotel, No. 5 Broadway, opposite the Bow¬ 
ling Green. Board per day $1.50. 

The Carlton House, 350 Broadway. Board $2.00 per 
day. 


112 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


The City Hotel, 133 Broadway, on the corner of Cedar- 
street. Board $2.00 per day. 

Clinton Hotel, in Beekman-street. Board per day $2,00. 

The Croton Hotel, 142 Broadway. Board per day $1.50. 
This is a temperance house. 

Delmonico's, in Broadway, near the Bowling Green, is a 
new and handsome building. This establishment is con¬ 
ducted on the European plan. 

Florence's, in Broadway, corner of Walker-street, is also a 
new and elegant establishment, conducted upon the Euro¬ 
pean plan. 

The Franklin House is in Broadway, corner of Dey-street. 
Board $2.00 per day. 

Howard’s Hotel is in Broadway, corner of Maiden-Lane. 
Board per day $2.00. 

Judson’s Hotel, 61 Broadway. Board $2.00 per day. 

Lovejoy’s Hotel, on the corner of Park-Row and Beekman- 
street, is conducted on the European plan. 

The Merchants’ Hotel, 41 Courtland-street. Board $1.50 
per day. 

The National Hotel, at No 5 Courtland-street. Board 
$1.50 per day. 

The New England House, 111 Broadway. Board $1.50 
per day. 

The New-York Hotel, 721 Broadway, is retired, but eligi¬ 
bly situated. Board $2.00 per day. 

The Pacific Hotel, 162 Greenwich-street. Board $1.50 
per day. 

The Pearl-Street House, 88 Pearl-street. Board reduced 
to $ 1.00 per day. 

The Rochester Hotel, 31 Courtland-street. Board $1.25 
per day. 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


113 


Rathbun's Hotel, 165 Broadway, between Courtland and 
Liberty streets. Board $2.00 per day. 

Tammany Hall, corner of Nassau and Frankfort streets, is 
conducted on the European plan. 

Tremont Temperance House, 110 Broadway. Board $1.50 
per day. 

The United States Hotel, formerly Holt’s, is on Fulton - 
street, bounded by Pearl and Water streets. Board per day 
$1.50. 

The Western Hotel, 9 Courtland-street. Price of board 
$1.25 per day. 

Besides the hotels, with which the city abounds, there are 
numerous private Boarding-Houses in different parts of the 
city. In addition to these, there are many Eating-Houses, 
where the visitor pays in proportion to what he consumes ; 
these, however, are principally in the lower or business part 
of the city. A person, if he desires it, may have a sleeping- 
room at Lovejoy’s or elsewhere, and take his meals at one of 
these places at any hour during the day that suits his con¬ 
venience. Bills of fare, with the prices affixed to each arti¬ 
cle, are always at hand, so that a person knows exactly 
what he has to pay before he gives his order. 

Places of Amusement. —These places in New-York 
are not numerous ; but that is characteristic of the Ameri¬ 
can cities generally, when compared with those in Europe. 
They are as follows: 

Park Theatre, —Park Row, opposite the Park. Boxes 
$1.00—Pit 50 cents. 

Mitchell's Olympic Theatre —444 Broadway, a few doors 
above Canal-street. Boxes 50 cents—Pit 12^. 

Bowery Theatre —In the Bowery, above Bayard-street. 
Boxes 25 cents—Pit 12^. 


114 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Chatham Theatre —Chatham-street. Boxes 25 cts., Pit 12£. 

Pahno’s Opera House —41 Chambers-street.* 

American Museum —Broadway, opposite the Astor-House- 
Admission 25 cents. 

Castle Garden —Off the Battery. Admission 25 cents. 

Niblo’s Garden —Was destroyed by fire on the 19th of Sep¬ 
tember, 1846. 

Vauxhall Garden —Situated at the farthest end of the 
Bowery. Admission 25 cents. 

Exhibitions of the Fine Arts. —American Art Union — 
Collection of Paintings, 322 Broadway, above Pearl-street. 
Admission free. 

New-York Gallery of Fine Arts —In the Rotunda in the 
Park, corner of Centre and Chambers streets. Admission 
25 cents. Life Membership $1.00. 

National Academy of Design —Corner of Broadway and 
Leonard street. 

Grant Thorburn’s Flower Store and Picture Gallery — 
15 John-street. 

Plumbe's Daguerrian Gallery —Broadway, opposite the 
Park. 

The Croton Water-Works. —The building of this great 
work was decided on at the city charter election of 1835, and 
on the 4th of July, 1842, it was so far completed that the wa¬ 
ter was let into the Reservoir, and on the 14th of October 
following it was brought into the city. 

The whole cost of this great work will be about 
$14,000,000, more than double the original estimate. Be¬ 
tween the Distributing Reservoir in 40th-street and the 

* A new Theatre is building in Broadway, near Anthony-street, and a 
new Opera House in Astor-Place, in the upper part of Broadway, both 
of which are expected to be in operation this fall. 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


115 


Battery, about 150 miles of pipe have been laid, from 6 to 
36 inches in diameter. There are 1400 fire, and 600 free 
hydrants in the city. 

The aqueduct commences five miles from the Hudson* 
and is about forty miles from the City Hall. The dam is 
250 feet long, 70 feet wide at the bottom, and 7 feet at the 
top, and 40 feet high, built of stone and cement. A pond 
five miles in length is created by the dam, covering a surface 
of 400 acres, and containing 500,000 gallons of water. 
From the dam the aqueduct proceeds sometimes tunneling 
through solid rocks, crossing valleys by embankments and 
brooks by culverts, until it reaches Harlem River. It is 
built of stone, brick, and cement, arched over and under ; 
is 6 feet 3 inches wide at the bottom, 7 feet 8 inches at the top 
of the side walls, and 8 feet 5 inches high ; has a descent of 
13£ inches per mile, and will discharge 60 millions of gallons 
in 24 hours. It crosses Harlem River on a magnificent 
bridge of stone, 1450 feet long, with 14 piers, eight of them 
80 feet span, and seven of 50 feet span, 114 feet above tide¬ 
water to the top, and which will cost $900,000. The Re¬ 
ceiving Reservoir is at 86th-street and Sixth Avenue, cover¬ 
ing 35 acres and containing 150 millions gallons of water. 

There is now no city in the world better supplied with 
pure and wholesome water than the city of New-York ; and 
the supply would be abundant, if the population were five 
times its present number. 

The most convenient mode of visiting the Distributing 
Reservoir in 40th-street, or the Receiving Reservoir in 86th- 
street, is by the cars of the^Harlem Railroad, which leave 
the depot opposite the City Hall every 15 minutes during the 
day. Fare 12^ cents. 

Lines of Steamboats, &c.—Steamboats (during the sea- 


116 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


son of navigation) leave daily for Albany and Troy and 
intermediate places . mornings and evenings, from the North 
River. Fare usually varies from 50 cents to $2.00. 

For Boston, passengers by the Norwich and Worcester, 
and Stonington and Providence routes, take the steamboats 
on the above lines, from the foot of Battery Place ; and those 
who wish to go by the Fall Fiver route, starting from Pier 
No. 3, North River, are conveyed in splendid and commodious 
steamers, through the Sound, to the termina of the several 
railroads, and thence to Boston. 

The fares are as follows :—On either route between New- 
York and Boston, $4.00. To Worcester, Mass., $3.50 ; to 
Norwich* Conn., $2.00 ; to Providence, R. I., $3.00 ; to 
Stonington, Conn., $2.00; Providence by Fall River route, 
$3.00 ; and to Newport or Fall River, $3.00. 

The above steamboats leave every afternoon (Sundays ex¬ 
cepted), and arrive in Boston early the next morning. 

There is also a day-line to Boston, via New Haven, Hart¬ 
ford, and Springfield, which leaves from Peck Slip, East 
River, every morning. 

For New Haven and Hartford, steamboats leave Peck 
Slip, East River, daily. 

Philadelphia, by New Jersey Railroad. Passengers leave 
the depot at the foot of Liberty-street (where tickets are 
procured), and crossing the ferry to Jersey City, there take 
the cars for Philadelphia. Trains leave New-York at 
9 o’clock, A. M. and 4$ P. M. Fare $4.00. 

Philadelphia, via Camden and Amboy Railroad. Pas¬ 
sengers take the steamboat from Pier No. 2, North River, 
near the Battery, at 5 o’clock, A. M. to Amboy—there tak¬ 
ing the cars for Philadelphia. Fare $3.00. 

New- York and Erie Railroad. Steamboats leave the foot 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


117 


of Duane-street at 7 o’clock, A. M. and 4 P. M. for Piermont , 
where passengers take the cars for places on the route. 

Bridgeport and Housatonic Railroad. A steamboat 
leaves the foot of Market-street every morning for Bridge¬ 
port, Conn., connecting with places on the Housatonic 
route. 

The Hudson River Railroad, extending from New-York 
to Albany, is now being constructed ; it will, no doubt, be 
pushed through to completion at as early a day as possible. 
The route of this road may be seen, by referring to the map 
of the Hudson River, 

Rates of fare in New-York for Hackney-Coaches, 
Carriages, or Cabs. —For conveying a passenger any dis¬ 
tance not exceeding one mile, 25 cents ; two passengers, 50 
cents, or 25 cents each ; every additional passenger, 25 cents. 

For conveying a passenger any distance exceeding a mile, 
and within two miles, 50 cents; every additional passenger, 
25 cents. 

For the use of a hackney-coach, carriage, or cab, by the 
day, with one or more passengers, $5.00. 

For the use of a hackney-coach, carriage, or cab, by the 
hour, with one or more passengers, with the privilege of 
going from place to place, and of stopping as often as may 
be required, as follows:—first hour, $1.00; second hour, 
75 cents ; every succeeding hour, 50 cents. 

Children under two years of age, nothing ; from two to 
fourteen, half price. 

Each passenger is entitled to take one trunk, valise, box, 
bag, or other travelling package ; and as many more as he 
pleases, by paying 6 cents for each extra, or 12^ cents if over 
a mile. 

If the distance be over one mile, and not over two miles. 


118 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


the charge for one passenger is 50 cents, and each additional 
one, 25 cents. 

If a carriage is taken by the day or hour, it must be so 
specified. 

If a hack is detained or hindered, the driver is entitled to 
75 cents for the first hour, and 37^ cents per hour after¬ 
wards, in addition to mileage. 

Every hack is required to be conspicuously numbered, and 
to have the rates of fare posted up within it; and in default 
of either of these, the driver is not to demand or receive 
any pay. 

Cabs. —Calls to and from dwellings, to or from steam¬ 
boats, or other parts of the city, with one or two persons, 
50 cents. 

When leaving the stand with one person, any distance 
not over a mile and a half, 25 cents. When with two per¬ 
sons, 37^ cents. When by the hour, driving in town from 
place to place, for each hour, 50 cents. 

Distances from the City Hall. —To the Battery, north 
end, three-quarters of a mile—south end, one mile ; foot of 
Courtland-street, half a mile ; foot of Barclay-street, three- 
quarters of a mile ; foot of Chambers-street, half a mile ; 
foot of Canal-street, one mile ; Dry Dock, two miles ; Cath- 
arine-street Ferry, three-quarters of a mile ; Fulton Ferry, 
half a mile ; South Ferry, one mile ; Navy Yard, Brooklyn, 
one mile and a quarter; Jersey City Ferry, half a mile ; 
Harlem, eight miles ; Distributing Reservoir, three miles and 
a quarter ; Receiving Reservoir, five miles. 

Places in the vicinity of New-York.— Brooklyn, de¬ 
scribed at length, at page 122 ; Navy Yard, Brooklyn, at 
page 124 ; Atlantic Dock, at page 125; Greenwood Ceme¬ 
tery, at page 126. 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


119 


Williamsburg is situated on Long Island, opposite the 
northeast part of New-York, from which it is separated by 
the East River. This place, which, as well as Brooklyn, 
has become a noted residence for those doing business in 
New-York, is increasing rapidly both in wealth and popula¬ 
tion. At the present time (1847) its population is not less 
than 15,000. It is connected with New-York by three 
steam-ferries, the boats on which ply at regular intervals. 
The ferriage is from 3 to 4 cents each way. 

Astoria , a flourishing village six miles northeast of the 
city, has a fine location, being situated on the East River 
near “ Hurl Gate.” This has now become a favorite resi¬ 
dence for persons from New-York. 

Flushing, at the head of Flushing Bay, five miles from 
Long Island Sound by water, and nine miles from the City 
Hall, New-York, is a favorite place of resort for the citizens 
of New-York and Brooklyn ; and the ride from the latter 
place is delightful ; from the former it is reached by steam¬ 
boat, one plying between the two places at regular intervals. 
The Linnean Botanic Garden, situated here, covers, includ¬ 
ing nurseries, about forty-five acres of ground, and is a de¬ 
lightful place. Here may be procured fruit and ornamental 
trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers, in great variety. Visitors 
have free access to the garden on all days (Sundays excepted). 

Flatbush, about five miles from Brooklyn, Flatlands eight, 
Gravesend ten miles, are small but handsome places. The 
shores of the latter place abound with clams, oysters, and 
water-fowl, and are much resorted to. 

Coney Island, belonging to the town of Gravesend, is five 
miles long, and one broad, and is situated about twelve miles 
from New-York. It has a fine beach fronting the ocean, 
and is a favorite resort for sea-bathing. On the north side 


120 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


of the Island is an hotel. Steamboats ply regularly between 
the city and Coney Island during the summer season. Fare 
12£ cents each way. 

Fort Hamilton, one of the fortifications for protecting the 
harbor of New-York, is situated at the “ Narrows,” about 
seven miles from New-York. There is here an extensive 
hotel or boarding-house, for the accommodation of visitors. 
The Coney Island boat stops at Fort Hamilton to land and 
receive passengers. Fare 12^ cents. 

Rockaway Beach, a celebrated and fashionable watering- 
place, on the Atlantic sea-coast, is in a southeast direction 
from New-York. The Marine Pavilion, a splendid estab¬ 
lishment, erected in 1834, upon the beach, a short distance 
from the ocean, is furnished in a style befitting its object as 
a place of resort for gay and fashionable company. There 
is another hotel here which is well kept; also several private 
boarding-houses, where the visitor, or the invalid, may enjoy 
the invigorating ocean breezes, with less parade and at a 
more reasonable cost than at the hotels. The best route for 
reaching Rockaway is by the Long Island Railroad to Ja¬ 
maica, twelve miles; thence eight miles by stage, over an 
excellent road, to the beach. 

Bloomingdale is a neat village, five miles from the City 
Hall, on the left bank of the Hudson. Here is the Orphan 
Asylum. Manhattanville, two miles north of the latter 
place, contains the Lunatic Asylum, which occupies a com¬ 
manding situation. Harlem, eight miles from the City Hall, 
is reached by the cars on the Harlem Railroad, which leave 
the depot in New-York many times daily. 

The Croton Water Works —already described at page 114. 

Places on the Hudson River worthy the attention of stran- 


NEW-YORK CITY. 


121 


gers, are described under the heading, “ Passage up the Hud¬ 
son,” at page 134. 

Staten Island, the landing at which is about five miles 
from New-York and fronting the Quarantine Ground, has 
a fine situation commanding a splendid view of the beautiful 
bay, Long Island, &c. There are here hotels and boarding¬ 
houses, for the reception of visitors. Steamboats leave 
New-York several times daily, from the foot of Whitehall- 
street, at the Battery. Fare 12£ cents. 

New Brighton, Fort Richmond, and the Sailor’s Snug 
Harbor, an asylum for superannuated seamen, are situated 
in the north part of the Island. 

The Ocean House, in New Jersey, near Sandy Hook, and 
fronting the Atlantic, is a place of much resort during the 
warm season. 

Long Branch, about thirty-two miles from New-York, 
and a little south of the Ocean House, is another place of re¬ 
sort for those in pursuit of fishing or sea-bathing. 

Shrewsbury, Red Bank, and Tinton Falls, in the vicinity 
of the above places, are also places of great resort. A 
steamboat leaves New-York daily from the pier next above 
the Fulton Ferry. 

Schoolcy’s Mountain, and the Passaic Falls, both in New 
Jersey, attract numerous visitors. See Index. 


122 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION 



View from Brooklyn “ Heights.” 
BROOKLYN. 


The city of Brooklyn is situated at the west end of Long 
Island, opposite to the city of New-York. It is the second 
city in the State in population, and at the present time num¬ 
bers about 60,000. It is separated from New-York by the 
East River. The communication between the two cities is 
rendered easy and convenient by five steam-ferries. Fare 
2 cents each way. The Fulton Ferry, which is by far the 
greatest thoroughfare, has handsome and comfortable boats. 
Two new steamboats have recently been placed on the 
Ferry, costing upwards of $30,000 each, which are not sur¬ 
passed for size and beauty by those on any other ferry in the 
world. 'I he crossing to and fro, especially mornings and 
evenings, is so great as to strike a stranger with astonish¬ 
ment. Three boats constantly ply at the same time on each 


















BROOKLYN. 


123 


of the three principal ferries, and the time of crossing is 
usually from four to six minutes. Two new ferries are 
about to be established between these places. The near 
vicinity of Brooklyn to the business centre of New-York, 
makes it a favorite residence with many doing business in 
the latter place. 

The ground on which Brooklyn is built is more elevated 
than that of New-York. The “ Heights,” on the East Ri¬ 
ver, present a bold front, elevated seventy feet above tide¬ 
water, affording a delightful view of the city and harbor of 
New-York, the islands in the bay, and the shore of New 
Jersey. 

Brooklyn is laid out with considerable regularity, the 
streets, with the exception of Fulton, being generally straight, 
and crossing each other at right angles. Most of the streets 
are shaded with fine trees, which, in the summer season, im¬ 
part to the city the freshness and gayety of a country town. 
It is this, with the purity of its atmosphere, and the facilities 
afforded for reaching the great metropolis, that has made 
Brooklyn increase so rapidly in wealth and population. 

Most of the houses here are well built, and many of its 
dwellings are distinguished for their splendor, and a chaste¬ 
ness of elegance in their architectural design. 

The population in 1810 was 4402; in 1820, 7175; in 
1830,15,396; in 1840, 36,233 ; and at the present time 
(1847) it is not less than 60,000. 

Brooklyn was incorporated as a village in April, 1806, and 
as a city, with greatly extended limits, on the 8th of April, 
1834. It is divided into nine wards, and is governed by a 
mayor and a board of eighteen aldermen, two from each 
ward, annually elected. 

The shores of Brooklyn, where not defended by wharves, 


124 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


undergo continual and rapid changes by the velocity of the 
current in the East River. Governor’s Island was formerly 
connected with Brooklyn at Red Hook Point; and previous 
to the Revolution, cattle were driven from the Hook to the 
island, then separated by a narrow and shallow passage 
called Buttermilk Channel, which is now wide and deep 
enough for the passage of merchant vessels of the largest size. 

Public Buildings. —Of these the most prominent is the 
new City Hall , now being constructed, which occupies the 
site of the one projected and commenced several years since ; 
the present one is built of white marble, and is on a less 
magnificent scale, the plan of that day being altogether too 
extensive for the requirements of the city. The Jail , a sub¬ 
stantial building erected in 1837, is situated in the eastern 
part of Brooklyn, near Fort Greene. The Lyceum , in Wash- 
ington-street, corner of Concord, is a fine granite building, 
with a spacious and commodious lecture-room. The City 
Library contains a large number of valuable literary and 
scientific works. The Savings Bank, an excellent institu¬ 
tion, is in an elegant new building on the corner of Fulton 
and Concord streets. 

Churches. —The churches in Brooklyn are numerous, and* 
many of those recently constructed are splendid edifices,— 
the principal of which is the new Episcopal Church of “ The 
Holy Trinity,” situated in Clinton-street, which is a mag¬ 
nificent specimen of Gothic architecture. This church was 
erected by the munificence of a citizen of Brooklyn at a cost 
of about $150,000. 

The United States Navy Yard is situated on the south 
side of Wallabout Bay, in the northeastern part of Brooklyn } 
and occupies about forty acres of ground, enclosed on the 
land side by a high wall. There are here two large ship- 


BROOKLYN. 


125 


houses for vessels of the largest class, with workshops and 
every requisite necessary for an extensive naval depot. The 
United States Naval Lyceum, an exceedingly interesting 
place, is also in the Navy Yard. It is a literary institution, 
formed in 1833 by officers of the Navy connected with the 
port. It contains a splendid collection of curiosities, and 
splendid mineralogical and geological cabinets, with nu¬ 
merous other valuable and curious things worthy the inspec¬ 
tion of the visitor. A Dry Dock is being constructed here, 
at a cost of about a million of dollars. 

On the opposite side of the Wallabout, half a mile east of 
the Navy Yard, is the Marine Hospital, a fine building 
erected on a commanding situation, and surrounded by up¬ 
wards of thirty acres of well-cultivated ground. 

At the Wallabout were stationed the Jersey and other 
prison-ships of the English during the Revolutionary war, 
in which, it is said, 11,500 American prisoners perished, 
from bad air, close confinement, and ill treatment. In 1808, 
the bones of the sufferers, which had been washed out from 
the bank where they had been slightly buried, were col¬ 
lected, and deposited in thirteen coffins, inscribed with the 
names of the thirteen original States, and placed in a vault 
beneath a wooden building erected for the purpose, in Jackson- 
street, opposite to Front, near the Navy Yard. 

The Atlantic Dock, about a mile below the South Ferry, 
is a very extensive work, and worthy the attention of stran¬ 
gers. It can be reached from New-York by taking the 
Hamilton Avenue Ferry, near the Battery, which lands its 
passengers close by. The Company was incorporated in 
May, 1840, with a capital of $ 1,000,000. The basin within 
the piers contains forty-two and a half acres, with sufficient 

9 


126 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


depth of water for the largest ships. The piers are furnished 
with many spacious stone warehouses. 

Greenwood Cemetery is situated in the south part of Brook¬ 
lyn, at Gowanus, about three miles from the Fulton Ferry, 
at which place visitors can take one of the stages which leave 
hourly for the Cemetery. Fare 12J cents. Another way 
of reaching Greenwood is by the new ferry at Whitehall, 
which lands its passengers in the vicinity of the Cemetery, 
on a pier of immense length jutting out from the shore : car¬ 
riages run from the landing-place to the Cemetery, carrying 
passengers at a trifling charge. 

Visitors by keeping the main avenue, called The Tour, as 
indicated by guide-boards, will obtain the best general view 
of the Cemetery, and will be able again to reach the entrance 
without difficulty. Unless this caution be observed, they 
may find themselves at a loss to discover their way out. 
By paying a little attention, however, to the grounds and 
guide-boards, they will soon be able to take other avenues, 
many of which pass through grounds of peculiar interest and 
beauty. 

The Cemetery contains about 200 acres of ground, with 
a great variety of surface, and is tastefully laid out in walks. 
The natural surface has been preserved, together with its 
ponds, trees, &c. Several of the monuments, which are 
original in their design, are very beautiful, and cannot fail to 
attract the notice of strangers. Those of the Iowa Indian 
Princess, Dohumme, and the “mad poet,” McDonald Clark, 
near the Sylvan Water, are admirable. 

“ In Greenwood, are quiet dells, nestling little lakes in 
their bosoms, shaded by locusts and willows from the sun, 
made cool by the sea breezes, and musical with the songs of 
birds ; or you may loiter in a village, of graves, as it were. 


LONG ISLAND RAILROAD ROUTE. 


127 


with hundreds of visitors, like yourself, poring over sculp¬ 
tured tokens of affection.” 

These delightful grounds now attract much attention, 
and have already become a place of much resort, and they 
will continue yearly to attract additional crowds of visitors, 
as their beauties become more generally known, and the ties 
more extended that bind many in the surrounding country 
and neighbouring cities, to the once-loved—not, to the eyes 
of Faith and Affection, dead, but sleeping—forms of those 
who lie in this beautiful resting-place of the departed. 


[ LONG ISLAND RAILROAD ROUTE. 

This road extends from South Brooklyn, opposite to the 
lower part of the city of New-York, to Greenport, at the 
east end of Long Island, 96 miles. After leaving the depot 
near the South Ferry, the cars pass through a tunnel, under 
Atlantic-street, which is 2,750 feet long, and about 30 feet 
deep, at the highest part of the street, and cost $96,000. 

The railroad to Jamaica, 12 miles, was the first link of the 
road constructed, by a company incorporated April, 1832, 
with a capital of $300,000. In April, 1834, the Long 
Island Railroad Company was incorporated, with a capital of 
$1,500,000, to construct a road through Long Island to 
Greenport, with permission to unite with the Brooklyn and 
Jamaica Company. The design of this road originally was 
to open a speedy communication between New-York and 
Boston, which, by a ferry crossing the Sound, was to connect 
with either of the great routes that terminate in the latter 
city. This is undoubtedly the shortest route between the 
two cities, and until recently was opened for the day travel 


128 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


between New-York and Boston, but owing to some tempo¬ 
rary embarrassments of the Company, has been discontinued 
for the present. The cars, however, run regularly between 
Brooklyn and Greenport, and intermediate places. The 
scenery on the route is neither varied nor interesting, the 
country through which it passes being mostly flat, with a 
poor and sandy soil. The distance between New-York and 
Boston, by this route, connecting with the Norwich and 
Worcester railroad, is 235 miles. 

Jamaica, situated on the railroad, and on the turnpike-road 
leading from Brooklyn to Hempstead, is a neat and pleasant 
village, approached by roads running through a district 
highly cultivated, and richly adorned with productive farms 
and splendid country-seats. This village is a great resort for 
persons from the neighboring cities, the railroad rendering 
the communication easy and convenient. Many persons 
doing business in New-York have a permanent residence 
here. Fare 25 cents. 

A branch road, two and a half miles, extends to Hemp¬ 
stead, centrally situated upon the south side of “ Hempstead 
Plains,” and by a turnpike road about 21 miles from 
Brooklyn. The soil, which is sandy loam, is rendered highly 
productive by judicious cultivation. Fare 37^ cents. 

North Hempstead, 21 miles from Brooklyn, is situated a 
short distance north of the railroad, and on the turnpike- 
road which runs throughout the island. It is the seat of 
the county, and contains the court-house, &c. In this town 
is “ Harbor Hill,” which rises to the height of 321 feei 
above the ocean, and is said to be the most elevated land on 
the Atlantic coast from Montauk Point to Florida. It is 
about 12 miles from the Atlantic, and is visible some dis¬ 
tance at sea. Success Pond, situated on a high hill, in the 


LONG ISLAND RAILROAD ROUTE. 


129 


west part of the town, is a mile in circumference ; it abounds 
with yellow perch, and is a favorite resort for the angler. 

Riverhead is situated on the Peconic River, 75 miles 
froriri Brooklyn, and is the capital of Suffolk county. Ves¬ 
sels of 70 tons burthen come within two and a half miles of 
the village. Large quantities of wood are sent from this 
place to New-York. Fare $1.62. 

Greenport is the eastern termination of the Long Island 
railroad, from Brooklyn 96 miles. Before the construction of 
the railroad, it consisted of a few straggling houses only, but 
is now quite a large and prosperous village. Fare $2.00. 
On the arrival of the cars, a steamboat leaves Greenport 
for Sagg Harbor. 

Gardiner’s Island, situated across the mouth of Gardiner’s 
Bay, about 10 miles from Greenport, was settled as early as 
1638, by a Scotchman who had served in the English army. 
This, it is said, was the first British settlement in the State 
of New-York. The island is remarkable for its fine culti¬ 
vation, its extensive dairy, numerous herds, and great pro¬ 
duct of wool. “ The celebrated Captain Kidd called at this 
island on his way to Boston, when he returned from his 
cruise in 1699, and deposited there a box of gold, silver, and 
precious stones, intrusting the then owner of the island 
with the secret, and holding his life in pledge for his fidelity. 
An account of this deposit was found among the pirate’s pa¬ 
pers upon his arrest; and the box was disinterred, and de¬ 
livered to the commissioners appointed to receive it. It con¬ 
tained 7381 oz. of gold, 847J ounces of silver, and 171 of 
jewels.” 


130 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


HARLEM RAILROAD. 

This road, which is now in operation to Somers Town, 52 
miles from New-York, extends from the City Hall, at the 
junction of Centre and Chatham-streets, through Centre, 
Broome and the Bowery, to the Fourth Avenue ; at 32d-st. 
it enters the first deep cutting into the solid rock, at Mur¬ 
ray’s Hill, and then proceeds towards the tunnel under 
Prospect Hill, at Yorkville, which is 595 feet long, 24 wide, 
and 21 high to the top of the arch, cut through solid rock, 
superseding the necessity of masonry, and which cost 
$90,000 ; from thence it proceeds to Harlem, crossing the 
river over a substantial bridge into the county of Westches¬ 
ter. (By referring to the map of the Hudson River, the ex¬ 
tension route of this road to Albany will be seen.) About 
one half of the route is already completed, if we take into 
consideration that portion of the Albany and West Stock- 
bridge railroad of which it will form a part, and with which 
it will connect near Chatham Four-Corners. The completion 
of this road will open a new trade with the rich and flour¬ 
ishing counties through which it is to pass, which will give 
a new impetus to its business prospects. 

The New-York and New Haven railroad, (which will 
probably be in operation in the course of next year.) will 
unite with the Harlem at a point near Williams’ Bridge. In 
anticipation of the increased amount of business by this con¬ 
nection, the Harlem company have erected a handsome en¬ 
gine-house above 30th-street. It is of brick, with sixteen 
sides and three entrances, its diameter being 126 feet, that 
of the turn table 35 feet, and the height of the dome from 
the ground, 54 feet. The building will accommodate sixteen 
engines, with their tenders. A machine shop, 100 feet by 40, 
is constructed in the rear of the main building. 


NEW-YORK AND ERIE RAILROAD. 


131 


Yorkville is 5 miles north of the City Hall: the cars pass 
many times through it daily. In this vicinity is the Receiv¬ 
ing Reservoir of the Croton water-works, containing 35 
acres, enclosed by a high and substantial wall. Fare 12£ 
cents. 

Harlem, 8 miles from the City Hall, is a suburb of New- 
York, and is now quite a manufacturing place. It can be 
reached from the city by the cars, many times daily. Fare 
12$ cents. Harlem was founded by the Dutch, in 1658, 
with a view to the amusement and recreation of the citizens. 
The following is from an ancient Dutch record. “ The Go¬ 
vernor and Council, desirous to form a new village at the end 
of Manhattan Island, proposed to settlers grants of land of 
45 acres each, at 13 shillings the acre, free from tithes, for 
10 years, and to assign 15 soldiers for their defence, to 
erect a sub-court of justice when there should be 25 fami¬ 
lies established, to provide a clergyman, half of whose salary 
should be paid by the government, and to make a road to 
the city by the company’s negroes.” 

White Plains and Bedford are each semi-capitals of 
Westchester county : the latter is situated upon a highly 
fertile plain, encompassed by hills. Whitlocksville, at the 
junction of Cross and Croton rivers, has some manufacturing. 
Fare to White Plains, 50 cents, and to Croton Falls and 
Somers, $1. 


NEW-YORK AND ERIE RAILROAD. 

This road, when completed, will extend from Piermont, 
on the Hudson river, 24 miles above N. Y., to Dunkirk on 
Lake Erie, 480 miles. The company was incorporated by 


132 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


the legislature on the 24th day of April, 1832, with power 
to construct a railroad from the city of New-York to Lake 
Erie, with a capital of $10,000,000. They were allowed 
ten years from the date of their charter, within which to 
complete one-fourth part of the road ; fifteen years for one 
half; and twenty years for the whole ; with the privilege to 
commence at any point on its route, which they should deem 
most eligible, and use either a single or double track. At 
the granting of the chatter the state reserved the right, after 
the expiration of ten years, and within fifteen from the com¬ 
pletion of the road, to take it with its appurtenances for 
public use, on paying the cost thereof, with interest at four¬ 
teen per cent, per annum. This road is now opened to the 
public as far as Otisville, eighty-seven miles from New-York, 
and before long will be completed to Port Jervis on the De¬ 
laware River, where it will intersect the Delaware and Hud¬ 
son Canal, 100 miles from Philadelphia. Instead of carrying 
it through Sullivan County (as the people resident there 
desired), it is to follow the Delaware River, on the Pennsyl¬ 
vania side, for which privilege the company is to pay that 
state $10,000 per annum. Ten miles of the road at Dunkirk 
are already completed, other portions are graded, and a part 
of the superstructure laid down between. The route tra¬ 
versed by the Erie Railroad is through one of the best agri¬ 
cultural districts in the country. At Dunkirk, the termina¬ 
tion of this road, the lake navigation usually opens from 
four to six weeks earlier, and remains open for the same 
period later than at Buffalo. The road from Piermont to 
Otisville, sixty-three miles, cost about $1,827,000. At 
Piermont a pier extends into the river one mile in length, 
which cost $220,000. 

A steamboat leaves New-York daily, except Sundays, 


NEW-YORK AND ERIE RAILROAD. 


133 


from the foot of Duane-street for Piermont, where passen¬ 
gers take the cars for any place on the line of the Erie Rail¬ 
road. Usual time from New-York to Piermont, 1 hour 45 
minutes; and from Piermont to Otisville, hours. Stages 
run daily from Middletown, on the arrival of the afternoon 
train, to Milford, Carbondale/Honesdale, Montrose, To- 
wanda, and Owego ; also to Monticello, Windsor, Bing¬ 
hamton, Ithaca, &c. 

Ramapo, on the Erie Railroad, is two and a-half miles 
above the New Jersey line, and lies in the deep valley of 
the Ramapo River, on the old stage-road from New-York 
to Albany. It is about to be connected by railroad with 
Paterson in New Jersey, fourteen and a-half miles south of 
Ramapo, and thirty miles from Jersey City. When this 
road is completed, passengers from the great West will have 
a direct and convenient land route to New-York. Fare to 
Ramapo 70 cents. 

Chester lies on the stage-road from Goshen to New-York, 
about eighteen miles S. W. from Newburg, in a rich and 
picturesque country, productive of grass, grain, fruits, and 
excellent butter. 

Goshen, the shire town of Orange County, lies in a beau¬ 
tiful valley forty-six miles from Piermont, seventy from New 
York, and twenty from the Hudson River at West Point. 
It is celebrated for the large quantities of butter produced 
here for the New’-York and other markets. Fare from New- 
York $ 1.12. 

Otisville is the present termination of the railroad. Fare 
from New-York $1.50. 


134 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 

On leaving the City of New-York, in any one of the 
many steamboats that ply upon the waters of the Hudson,— 
not inaptly termed “ floating palaces,” from the expensive¬ 
ness and splendor of their construction, the gorgeousness 
and profusion of their decorations, and the many appliances 
with which they are provided to charm the senses and dis¬ 
sipate the ennui of travel,—the traveller is at once intro¬ 
duced to a scene of great beauty, and which forms a fitting 
prelude to the enchanting views that await his progress up 
the river. Behind him, a short distance, lies the Battery, 
the ornament of New-York, and the pride of its citizens ; 
and a little farther on, his attention is arrested by Govern¬ 
or’s Island and its fortifications. Casting his view down 
the Bay, he has a glimpse of the “ Narrows,” and of the 
shores of Long and Staten Islands ; which, in the distance, 
seem almost to meet—apparently separated by only a thread 
of water; while on the west side of the Bay his eye is at¬ 
tracted by Bedlow’s and Ellis’s Islands, whose batteries can 
hardly be said to frown, amid the waters and the verdure 
that flash and smile around them. These, with many other 
but lesser objects that enhance the beauty and interest of 
the view, place this scene among such as are, “ like angels’ 
visits, few and far between.” 

Opposite New-York is Jersey City, where commence the 
Philadelphia and the Paterson Railroads. This is also the 
starting-point of the Morris Canal, which unites the Hudson 
with the Delaware River. One mile north is Hoboken, a 
popular place of resort for the citizens of New-York. The 
walks, which are shaded by trees, extend for about two 
miles along the bank of the river, terminating with the Ely- 


ton 




u 


£70, 


QytisvtRe 


^0771 
■# 
MorCtgoi 




Jfa H 


M 


T C 


tan 




flam 


SVM 

% Si 


aw) 


’ar< 


O 

GO^SHEi 


m 


M 


-. —S't 

Somers/ 'EY 


)JV3£h 


<!✓ 


a 

YeivionS 


*ri?j 

Mb 7i roeymb 




<J7W 


r||-p l otu 


sPt 


Yev 


U4 


i<w£et 


5 .off 


'7fniics\ 
\oi%jpotid 

l2L=Ji 


.r 


cr> 


iWOi 


T yhiiu 


' Bloom* 
dole _ 

1 cO 


M 


v \.j\ 

jfo^nij tooi\ 


Itocfc+J' — y S 


{CHf: 


over 

ACd’m'i&Flui ns 


" -T ij ^* 3 .' li r f/ff 
•Bloornff^J fyzmk 

‘‘^Tr^s^ 0 # « 


£Zml 




,erc 


f7zz>z^ 


hllJeri\<s 

-ehoY 

\ \ 






^ SCpENECTAl 


»i\TG0^ 

N N J 

Espei'ance 

(P rr(\i DimiEeslnir^ 


a J] 


o H E N t IJJW 

\" 

\ 

Sl ’H O ITA^ H I !•’. 


Mkldle^lfuTC- 

o 


O -y; N Slaiy\UU\ 

^vy * V 

W.Troi 

oy\r s co tla ;**x 

/ ^BeraLe - "^ x 




<.ansmg , btrrey 

vT 


f 151 


JV 


i|Poest€^ 
Yflle f 


^&ami\Lake 


ic 




an 


/ A V 5. 


Breaker^- 

betni/J 


Cr \U‘' 


Xjsr.Schi 

l\ * 






><* 


\ 


^ 7 - ^irlian 


< / 

4 y < 


tratts^Jl^: 

“otuviaf 
I.e.^tigtcni 




Cox? 
\olcT 


Ktn\ 
liook* 

^faiirS!? ^W^hatham 

aTW > 

V*A ^fcaierct^; 

v iPljlSfr? i bid 

lM?K ^ \ 






2SOT 


^ Wt 


tervule 


^s^%7dii$7\ 


Sliam 

o 


_ _ 


a> 


Y < 


^^^c^<»od st° c 


/“T^emiont 
rife C* fM 


I 1 / ITlster Irj 


bse\'Hle\°§ 




M 


/ 






rSTATEY 


MAP OF THE 

lol hudsoh river, 

AND 

VTCI XYYY 

Stwwu iq chr 

railroads. 


A 


r ®. 


1 90 

o 


Marble Y 


t( %3 
Comer’ 

j \ f| 

ftAttleb\crv ffe\ j 

m 


i 


imreHteck 

i Clint« 




ifPet, 

itno^ 


Shura I p\ 


He ksa til J^aL 


n u E s si 

a^Ltord- \ _ _ o" i&l , 
AaneMzLaj 


75c 


, , 1 

>IE 74 B/fVerhanlz 


yc<z>-184-7, by W Williams 


~W WTTl~i = rm.«; Tjy. 






























PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


135 


sian Fields. Four miles above the city, on this side of the 
river, is Weehawken. Under a ledge of rocks facing the 
river, is the spot where General Alexander Hamilton fell in 
a duel with Aaron Burr. Formerly there was here a mar¬ 
ble monument erected to his memory, but it is now removed. 

The Palisades are a remarkable range of precipices of 
trap-rock, extending up the river on the west side twenty 
miles to Tappan, and forming a singular and in many places 
an impassable boundary. They rise to the height of five 
hundred feet. 

Bull’s Ferry, six miles from New-York, is a place of con¬ 
siderable resort during the summer season. It is connected 
with New-York by a ferry. Fare, 12^ cents. 

On the opposite shore, five miles from the City Hall, is 
Bloomingdale, a suburb of New-York. From the river is 
seen the Orphan Asylum, with its green lawn extending to 
the water’s edge. 

Fori Lee , on the west side of the river, ten miles above 
the city, is situated on the brow of the Palisades, more than 
300 feet above the river. A ferry connects it with New- 
York. Fare, 12J cents. 

Fort Washington is nearly opposite. Here, during the 
Revolution, the American arms sustained a defeat, and 2600 
men surrendered themselves prisoners of war. 

Spuyten Dvyvel Creek, thirteen miles above New-York, 
flows into the Hudson : this creek, with the Harlem River, of 
which it is a part, forms Manhattan Island, upon which the 
city is built. 

Phillipsburg, or Yonkers, seventeen miles above New- 
York, at the mouth of a small creek called the Saw-Mill 
Creek, is a thriving village, and is much resorted to in warm 
weather. Fare, hy steamboat from Ncw-York, 25 cents. 


136 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Hastings, three miles north of Yonkers, is a neat little 
village containing some fine country-seats. 

Dobbs' Ferry, twenty-two miles north of the city, was a 
noted place during the Revolutionary war. 

Piermont, on the west bank of the Hudson, is the starting 
point of the New-York and Erie railroad. A pier extends 
from the shore a rpile in length. A steamboat plies daily 
between this place and New-York, and connects with the 
railroad. Three and a half miles west, lies the village of 
Tappan, celebrated as being the head-quarters of Washing¬ 
ton during the Revolution, and the place where Major Gen. 
Andre was executed, October, 1780. Here commences the 
expansion'of the river known as the Tappan Bay, extending 
a distance of ten miles, with an average width of two and a 
half. 

Four miles north of Dobbs' Ferry is the beautiful residence 
of Washington Irving, the popular American author. This 
villa is built on the margin of the river, with a neat lawn 
and embellished grounds surrounding it. It is built in the 
old Dutch style, and may be distinctly seen by the traveller 
from the steamboat, in going up or down the river. 

Tarry town, twenty-seven miles above New-York, is beau¬ 
tifully situated on Tappan Bay. This is the place where 
Major Andre was stopped, (on his way to the British lines,) 
returning from his visit to Gen. Arnold. 

NyacJc, on the west side of the river, twenty-eight miles 
above New-York, was formerly important for its quarries of 
red sandstone ; but the Quincy and other granites have sup¬ 
planted it in public favor. A steamboat plies daily between 
this place and New-York. 

Sing Sing is on the east shore of the Hudson, thirty-three 
miles above New-York. It is situated partly on elevated 


PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


137 


ground, and commands a fine view of the river and the sur¬ 
rounding country. This place contains the State Prison, oc¬ 
cupying one hundred and thirty acres of ground, which can 
be distinctly traced from the boat, as it proceeds up or down 
the river. It is noted for its marble quarries, which are ex¬ 
tensively worked by the State convicts, who have erected 
two large prisons, workshops, &c., from the stone quarried 
here. The Croton River, after running a southwest course 
of about forty miles, enters the Hudson two miles above 
Sing Sing, and during the spring of the year pours a consid¬ 
erable volume of water into that river. Its source is derived 
from ponds of pure water in a granite region of country. 
A portion of this river is diverted from its course to supply 
the citizens of the metropolis with the greatest of all luxu¬ 
ries, a bountiful supply of the pure element. The rapid 
freshets of the Croton have brought down such an amount 
of earth and stones as to form Tellers or Croton Point, an 
isthmus that extends about a mile from the eastern shore, 
separating the Tappan from the Haverstraw Bay. 

On the opposite side of the river is Verdritege’s Hook, a 
bold headland rising majestically from the water ; above 
which the river again expands to the average width of two 
miles, extending six, and is known as the Haverstraw Bay. 
On the Verdritege mountain is a clear crystal lake, about 
four miles in circumference, which forms the source of the 
Hackensack River, and which, although not more than a 
mile from the Hudson, is elevated 250 feet above it. This 
is the Rockland lake, from which New-York is supplied 
with ice of the purest quality. The ice is cut into large 
square blocks, and slid down to the level of the river, and, 
when the river breaks up, is transported to the city of New- 
York. 


138 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Haverstraw, or Warren, is on the west side of the river, 
thirty-six miles from the city, with which there is a daily 
communication by steamboat. Verplanck's Point, on the 
east side of the river, and Stony Point, on the opposite side, 
are memorable from their connection with events of the 
Revolutionary war. 

Caldwell's Landing, on the west side of the river, forty- 
four miles from New-York, is at the base of the Dunderburg 
or Thunder mountain. From this elevated position, which 
is three hundred feet above the river, the visitor has a view 
that extends over Westchester county to Long Island Sound, 
down the river and bays to the vicinity of the city, and 
crosses the river to Peekskill and the mountain summits 
around West Point. Caldwell is usually a place of landing 
for the Albany boats on their way up the river. Just before 
reaching this place, the traveller who has never before as¬ 
cended the river, is scarcely able to conjecture, as he looks 
around, and sees all further ingress apparently cut off, which 
course the boat will pursue,—whether through the deep 
opening to the right, or the one in front, leading through the 
opening in the mountains. During this brief suspense, and 
while contemplating the stupendous elevation close at hand, 
which the steamer almost grazes in its rapid course, the 
boat is suddenly directed to the left or west, around the acute 
angle that opens into the Horse Race, a short reach of the 
river between the mountains on the south, and St. Anthony's 
Point on the north.— Peekskill, on the opposite side of the 
river, is a village of some importance. An effort is making 
to connect it by railroad with New Haven, Conn. 

The Highlands. —These may be considered the most re¬ 
markable feature in the Hudson River scenery. They are 
sixteen miles in width, and extend in a N. E. and S. W. 


PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


139 


direction, about twenty-five miles. The highest elevation 
is 1680 feet.—The course of the boat now is through the 
“ Horse Race,” a term derived from the rapidity of the cur¬ 
rent, caused by an abrupt angle in the bed of the river, 
which is contracted to a narrow space by its passage through 
the mountain pass. 

Anthony's Nose, on flie right or east shore, is amass of 
rocks rising to the height of 1128 feet above the level of the 
river, which runs deeply at its base. Two miles above the 
last named place, is the Sugar-Loaf Mountain, which rears 
its summit to the height of 860 feet. 

The Buttermilk Falls, forty-nine miles above the city, 
nearly opposite the Sugar-Loaf Mountain, present a fine 
appearance, especially when the stream is swollen by heavy 
rains. They descend for more than a hundred feet in two 
successive cascades, spreading out in sheets of milk-white 
foam ; a fine view of them is obtained from the boat whilst 
passing. 

West Point. —The traveller has now arrived at this ro¬ 
mantic and interesting spot, fifty miles above New-York, 
and ninety-three miles from Albany. It was one of the 
most important fortresses during the Revolutionary war ; 
and is now the seat of the National Military School, organ¬ 
ized in 1802, under the direction of General Williams. The 
cliff selected for the fortress rests against a lofty ridge broken 
into small eminences that form a species of amphitheatre, 
washed below by the river. It rises in terraces, the first of 
which is very narrow and nearly level with the river ; the 
second is approachable by a steep ascent of eighty or ninety 
feet, and the third, rising one hundred and eighty-eight feet 
above the level of the water, spreads into a plain of more 
than a mile in circumference, on which the principal works 


140 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


were constructed, the chief of which was Fort Clinton. 
Upon the eminences were several redoubts which com¬ 
manded Fort Clinton, of which Fort Putnam was the most 
important. This fort is elevated 598 feet above the river. 
As the boat proceeds on her course the outworks and build¬ 
ings attached to the Military School are plainly discernible. 
During the Revolutionary war this post was emphatically 
the key of the country, as it commanded the river, which 
admitted vessels of heavy burden as far as Hudson, and pre¬ 
vented the British from holding communication with Canada. 
For this reason the British commanders were very anxious 
to obtain it, and its surrender was to have been the first fruit 
of Arnold’s treason ; but in this he was disappointed by the 
arrest of Major Andre.—The boat stops at the landing at 
West Point to discharge and receive passengers, allowing 
the traveller barely time enough to catch a glimpse of the 
beauties of this locality. There is a hotel at the brow of 
the hill which is approached by a good carriage-road from 
the steamboat landing ; the pedestrian may mount by an¬ 
other path, though not without some difficulty. The view 
from the observatory at the top of the hotel is peculiarly 
fine in all its parts, but especially on the north,—looking 
down upon the Hudson and towards Newburg, and the re¬ 
mote chain of the Shawangunk Mountains, seen in the dim 
blue distance towards the northwest. The hotel is built of 
stone, and is surrounded by extensive piazzas for promenade, 
commanding in front a full view of the plain and buildings, 
and in the rear a delightful prospect of the river and High¬ 
lands. During the months of July and August, the cadets 
are encamped on the plain, when it is highly interesting to 
witness the drills and parades of these embryo chieftains. 
Near the north-east extremity of the grounds, at the pro- 


PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


141 


jecting point forming the abrupt bend of the river, is a mon¬ 
ument of white marble, consisting of a base and short col¬ 
umn, on the former of which is the simple inscription, “ Kos¬ 
ciusko,” “ Erected by the corps of Cadets, 1828.” Another 
monument on a hillock at the northwest, corner of the plain, 
is an obelisk of twenty feet high, erected by Major Gen. 
Brown to Col. E. D. Wood, a pupil of the institution, who fell 
leading a charge at the sortie from Fort Erie, on the 17th of 
September, 1814. On the river bank at the southeast ex¬ 
tremity of the parade ground, upon a lower level, is Kosci¬ 
usko’s garden, whither the Polish chieftain was accustomed 
to retire for study or reflection. Near this garden is a clear 
boiling spring, enclosed in a marble reservoir, with durable 
and ornamental steps leading down from the plain above, 
with an arrangement of benches on a projection of the rock 
for visitors. 

As the boat takes a sharp turn around the low, rocky pro¬ 
jection of the river, it unfolds to the eye one of the loveliest 
views in the world:—the lake-like expansion of the river, 
with the steep front of the lofty mountain that here faces it, 
called the Crow’s Nest, rising to the height of 1428 feet, 
with a depression on the top for the nest, giving a fancied 
resemblance to the name it bears. 


10 


142 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION 



The engraving represents a view of the “ Crow’s Nest/’ 
looking down the river, with West Point and Fort Putnam 
in the distance. The general view of the mountains, and 
entire panorama of the lesser hills and rocky eminences or 
projections, complete the framing of this magnificent picture. 
A mile above West Point, on the opposite side of the river, 
is the West Point Iron Foundry, the largest establishment 
of its kind in the country : it is situated on a stream (which 
affords considerable water-power) flowing down from the 
hills in the vicinity. 

Cold Spring, a little higher up on the same shore, is hand¬ 
somely situated in a cove between Constitution Island and 
Bull Hill, with a good landing-place, and containing 1200 
inhabitants. Bull Hill, 1586 feet. Breakneck Hill, 1187 




















PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


143 


feet, and Beacon Hill, 1685 feet high, are situated immedi¬ 
ately above Cold Spring. Butter Hill is the last of the 
Highland range on the west shore, and is 1529 feet high. 
This forms a more impressive sight to the traveller, from its 
immense topping masses of craggy rocks and sweep of preci¬ 
pice, especially towards the south. In getting clear of the 
Highlands we pass PolopeL’s Island, a mass of rock on the 
east of the channel, having the appearance of the top of a 
sunken mountain. Cornwall, near the northern base of But¬ 
ter Hill , two miles south of Newburg, is the commencement 
of the expansion of the Hudson called Newburg Bay , one 
mile in width and five in length. New Windsor, on the 
west bank, fifty-nine miles above New-York, is noted as the 
birthplace of De Witt Clinton. We now approach Newburg 
on the left, with some 6000 or 7000 inhabitants, and which, 
from its elevated situation on a steep acclivity, is presented 
full to the view of the passing traveller. It is one of the 
principal landing-places, and is connected with the opposite 
si.de of the river at Fishkill (a thriving place of some 1000 
inhabitants) by a ferry. Several whale ships, steamboats, 
and numerous sloops are owned in Newburg. 

Low Point, three miles above Fishkill Landing, is a small 
settlement on the river. 

New Hamburg, the next place above, near Warpenger’s 
Creek, an important mill-stream, is another steamboat land¬ 
ing. Hampton, nearly opposite, is connected with Newburg 
by a ferry. A little north is the village of Marlboro 

Barnegat, two miles above New Hamburg, is remarkable 
for its many lime-kilns. 

Poughkeepsie, one of the handsomest places in the State, 
was founded by the Dutch in 1735. It is 74 miles from the 
city of New-York, 71 from Albany, 14 from Newburg, 18 


144 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


from Kingston, and 42 from Hudson city. It is a place of 
considerable trade, being surrounded by one of the richest 
agricultural districts in the county. Several steamboats and 
sailing vessels, with a few whaling ships, are owned here. 
Poughkeepsie contains several well-kept hotels. The Col¬ 
legiate School is situated on College Hill, about half a mile 
northeast of the village. Its location is one of unrivalled 
beauty, commanding an extensive prospect of the river and 
surrounding country. New Paltz Landing is on the oppo¬ 
site side of the river, the village lying a little distance back. 
Hyde Park, eighty miles from New-York, and sixty-five 
from Albany, is situated on the east bank of the river. The 
country seats here are very beautiful. 

Rondout is situated at the mouth of the Wallkill River, 
and is a place of considerable trade, it being the termination 
of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, at Eddyville, two miles 
above. Lackawana coal is brought from the mines in Penn¬ 
sylvania to Rondout, where a number of vessels are em¬ 
ployed in conveying it to other parts. One mile further 
north is Kingston Landing, where stages are always ready 
to convey passengers to Kingston, three miles inland. On 
the opposite side of the river is Rhinebeck Landing, origi¬ 
nally settled by the Dutch, the descendants of whom still 
retain the habits, language, and frugality of their forefathers. 
Lower Red Hook is seven miles north ; and three miles still 
further up is Tipper Red Hook Landing This place is con¬ 
nected by a steam ferry with the opposite side of the river, 
at Saugerties, an important manufacturing village. It has 
a never-failing water-power, derived from the southern slope 
of the lofty Catskill. Bristol is two miles above Saugerties. 
The village of Catskill, 111 miles from New-York, and 
thirty-four from Albany, is seated on both sides of the Cats- 


PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


145 


kill Creek, near its junction with the Hudson. Coaches run 
regularly to and from the mountain, and are so arranged as 
to be at the steamboat landing on the arrival and departure 
of the boats ; and also to enable those who feel inclined to 
visit the different falls in the vicinity, where every facility is 
afforded the traveller. The time required for ascending to 
the Mountain House, a distance of twelve miles, is usually 
four hours, and the price about one dollar—half this time 
being sufficient to return. The journey up the mountain is 
rather a trying one to timid persons, although a safe one. 
The road for two-thirds of the distance from the landing is 
very uneven ; the remaining distance is by a steep ascent in 
a zig-zag direction to the top of the mountain. Here, on 
Table Rock, is the famous hotel known as the Catskill Moun¬ 
tain House, elevated 2500 feet above the Hudson. This 
hotel was erected by the citizens of Catskill at a cost of 
$22,000 ; it is 140 feet in length, four stories high, with a 
piazza extending across the front, supported by a colonnade. 
It is placed at a convenient distance back from the verge of 
the precipice, in order to allow carriages to drive up in front 
to set down and receive passengers. There is a promenade 
where visitors may look from the dizzy height into the deep 
valley beneath, and where, for a distance of forty or fifty 
miles, the Hudson is distinctly seen, with numerous steamers 
and river craft, cleaving their way through its waters. 


146 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


The Cat skill Falls, of 
which the engraving is a 
representation, are form¬ 
ed by two lakes, one mile 
in length and two thou¬ 
sand feet above the Hud¬ 
son. 

The water over the first 
precipice falls a distance 
of 175 feet, and within a 
short distance takes an¬ 
other plunge of about 75 
feet, and then follows the 
dark windings of the ra¬ 
vine to the valley of the 
Catskill.* The visitor should not omit following the circuit¬ 
ous path that leads down a distance of ninety feet, and then 
pass under the rock behind the waterfall, where are pre¬ 
sented many fine scenes. The pure air inhaled at the 
Mountain House is very invigorating, and its exhilarating 
effects have been the means of restoring to health, persons 

* The engraving, it will be observed, exhibits three falls, which is ever 
the case in the summer months, when the supply of water is small. Occa¬ 
sionally, however, but two are to be seen. This occurs only in the fall or 
early spring, in which, from excessive rains or from freshets, the vol¬ 
ume of the lakes is greatly increased, when the accumulated waters rush 
with such impetuosity, that instead of plunging at the first fall, as repre¬ 
sented in the engraving, they are carried beyond it, to the second—thus 
making but two falls. Visitors seldom see the falls in this state, since, as a 
matter of course, they seek such haunts in the summer months, when there 
is a diminished supply of water. At such times the water is preserved with 
great care, in order to increase the body of the fall on the arrival of stran¬ 
gers, when a small fee is demanded. 









PASSAGE UP THE HUDSON. 


147 


who had in vain tried almost every other means. Stages 
leave Catskill daily for Oswego, Ithaca, and other places. 

On passing Catskill the boat shapes its course towards the 
city of Hudsov, which is one hundred and sixteen miles 
above New-York, and twenty-nine miles from Albany. 
The city is built principally on the summit of a hill, sixty 
feet above the river, commanding a fine prospect. At the 
landing are several warehouses, which, with steamboats and 
sailing vessels, are evidence of the capital and enterprise 
existing here. Several whaling vessels belong to this place. 
Population 10,000. Here diverges the Hudson and Berk¬ 
shire Railroad, connecting with the Housatonic at the Mas¬ 
sachusetts State line, and terminating at Bridgeport, on Long 
Island Sound. Travellers intending to visit the Shaker 
Village at New Lebanon, about thirty-six miles distant, will 
land at Hudson, and take the railroad cars to within seven 
miles of the Springs, which are much resorted to in warm 
weather. On the arrival of the cars at “ Edwards” stages 
are in readiness to convey passengers to Lebanon Springs. 
The New-York and Albany boats land and receive passen¬ 
gers several times daily. Four Mile Point, on which is a 
light-house, is one hundred and twenty miles above New- 
York ; it is the head of ship navigation on this river. 

Coxsackie Landing, on the west side of the river, has 
about 1500 inhabitants; the village is one mile west of the 
landing. Nutter Hook, on the river directly opposite, is a 
bustling little place, with some shipping. 

Stuyvesant, a little further on, is a flourishing place that 
sends large quantities of produce to the New-York market. 

Kinderhook Landing is one hundred and twenty-seven 
miles above New-York ; the village is situated about five 
miles east of the river. It is the birth-place of Martin 


148 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Van Buren, Ex-President of the United States. His present 
residence is two miles south of the village. 

Neio Baltimore, one hundred and thirty miles above New- 
York, is a village of about 500 inhabitants. Coeymans, 
on the west side of the river, is three miles higher up. Scho- 
dac Landing is directly opposite. Castleton is three miles 
above the latter place. Here a bar is forming in the chan¬ 
nel, injurious to navigation. The Overslaugh, within three 
miles of the city of Albany, has heretofore formed the prin¬ 
cipal obstruction to the free navigation*of the river. The 
General Government has spent considerable sums of money 
in deepening the channel; still, the evil has not been en¬ 
tirely overcome, the place filling up again as often as clean¬ 
ed out. 

Greenbush, nearly opposite Albany, is the terminus of the 
Boston and Albany Railroad, and also of the railroad 
from Troy. It is connected with Albany by a ferry. 


ALBANY. 


149 



Albany, the capital of the State, is on the west bank of the 
Hudson River, 145 miles above the city of New-York, 
325 by railroad from Buffalo, 200 from Boston, 380 from 
Washington, and 250 from Montreal, Canada. Population, 
about 45,000. This city was founded in 1612, by people 
from Holland, and, next to Jamestown in Virginia, was the 
earliest European settlement within the thirteen original 
States. On the capture of New-York by the English in 
1664, this place received its present name, in honor of James, 
Duke of York and Albany, afterwards James the Second. 
The city has a commanding situation, and when viewed 
from the water appears to great advantage. Albany owes 
its importance and prosperity to its being the diverging point 
of several important routes of travel, and being the termina- 










150 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

tion of the Erie and Champlain Canals, which unite nine 
miles above, and enter the Hudson at the east end of the city. 

Of the public buildings in Albany, the Capitol ranks 
among the first; it contains the legislative halls, the rooms 
of the supreme and chancery courts, the state library, &,c. 
It stands at the head of State-street, 130 feet above the river. 
It is 115 feet long, 96 broad, and 50 high, of two stories, 
upon a basement of 10 feet elevation ; on the east side is a 
portico of the Ionic order, with columns of three feet eight 
inches in diameter, and thirty-three feet high. It is built of 
Nyack freestone, and cost about $125,000. The legislative 
halls and court-rooms contain portraits of eminent men. 

I he building is surrounded by a public square enclosed with 
an iron railing. From the observatory at the top, which is 
accessible to visitors, a fine view of the surrounding country 
is obtained. The Albany Academy, a part of which is occu¬ 
pied by the Albany Lyceum, is built of the same stone as the 
state-house, and fronts on the square north of the capitol. 
It cost $100,000. The City Hall, fronting the capitol 
square, at the loot of Washington-street, is constructed of 
white marble hewn out by the convicts at Sing Sing, and ap- 
piopiiated to the city authorities. Its gilded dome is very 
conspicuous, especially when viewed from a distance. The 
Exchange, at the foot of State-street, is a commodious build¬ 
ing of granite, constructed a few years since. The post- 
office is in this building. It has also an extensive reading- 
room, with a good supply of papers and periodicals, American 
as well as foreign ; strangers are admitted gratis. The old 
state-house is now converted into a Museum, for the reception 
of the geological cabinet formed under the direction of the 
state geological surveyors. The Albany Female Academy 
a fine building in North Pearl-street. This school enjoys a 




n 

a; i 

Q Sf II 


1 ^ 1 . 

< 'C i t 

•H 

; ^ S 

W 

X 

\ 11 V 

\ \\ a^* 


\\ 

l B 3* 

m 

4i 





































* 















• * 


























ROUTES TO BALLSTON SPA AND SARATOGA SPRINGS. 151 


great reputation. Stanwix Hall, built of Quincy granite, is 
surmounted by a large dome. The religious institutions of 
Albany are numerous. The principal Hotels are the Ameri¬ 
can, City, Clinton, Columbian, Congress Hall, Delavan House 
(Temperance), Eastern R. R. Hotel, Franklin House, Man¬ 
sion House, Stanwix Hall, United States Hotel, and Wash¬ 
ington Hall. During the season of navigation, steamboats 
ply daily between the metropolis and the state capitol. Fare 
varies from fifty cents to two dollars. Stages run to all 
places in the vicinity. 


ROUTES TO BALLSTON SPA AND SARATOG-A SPRINGS. 

These places are now easily reached by railroads both from 
Albany and Troy. 

From Albany by the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad to 
Schenectady, sixteen miles ; thence by the Saratoga and 
Schenectady Railroad to Ballston Spa, fourteen miles; 
thence to Saratoga Springs, seven miles. 

From Troy, the traveller has his choice of two routes, either 
by the way of the Troy and Schenectady Railroad to Sche¬ 
nectady, eighteen miles, and thence, as by the former route ; 
or by the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad, via Mechan- 
icsville, terminating at Ballston Spa, twenty-four miles, there 
connecting with the railroad to Saratoga Springs. See 
page 153. 

TROY AND GREENBUSH RAILROAD. 

This road is six miles in length, and was opened to the 
public in 1845. It is a fact worthy of notice, that 800,000 
persons have been carried over this road since its comple¬ 
tion (less than two years), without loss of life or injury in 


152 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

any way. The travel over this road is constantly increasing, 
and its stock is among the best in the country. Up to Jan¬ 
uary 1st, 1846, $233,371.39 was spent in its construction, 
and the receipts up to the same period were $12,200.86. 
from 99,712 passengers, and from freight $3,647 ; 32 ; making 
a total of $15,848.38. The expenses of the road amounted 
to $o,980.60. The cars leave Troy and Greenbush every 
hour during the day and evening. Fare 12£ cents. 

This road, and the Schenectady and Troy, and the Rens¬ 
selaer and Saratoga roads, all pass through the main street 
of the city of Troy, and take up passengers at the door of 
each of the principal hotels, the Mansion House, Troy 
House, &c. 

Troy is situated at the head of tide-water on the Hudson, 
on the east bank of the river, six miles above Albany. It 
is a port of entry, and the seat of justice of Rensselaer coun¬ 
ty. It received its city charter in 1816. Troy is celebrated 
for its beauty and healthiness ; most of the streets are wide, 
and laid out at right angles, and planted with trees. Mount 
Ida, directly in the rear of the south part of the city, and 
Mount Olympus in the north, are distinguished eminences, 
affording fine views of the country. The city is abun¬ 
dantly supplied with water, by subterranean pipes of iron, 
from a basin in the neighboring town of Lansingburg, 
seventy-two feet above the plain of the city. It has numer¬ 
ous hotels, several of which are well kept, the principal being 
the American Hotel, Mansion House, Troy House, National 
Temperance House, Northern Hotel, Washington Hall, and 
the York Hotel. Stages pass frequently between Albany 
and Troy. Fare 25 cents. 

West Troy, a suburb of Troy, is on the opposite side of 
the river, and is a rapidly growing place. The inhabitants are 


RENSSELAER AND SARATOGA. 


153 


employed principally in manufactures. A fine macadamized 
road, one of the best in the State, leads from West Troy to 
Albany, a distance of six miles. 

At Gibbonsville , is the United States Arsenal, where is 
kept a large and constant supply of small-arms, and the va¬ 
rious munitions of war. This is one of the most important 
national depots in the country, and is worthy the attention 
of the traveller or visitor. 


THE RENSSELAER AND SARATOGA RAILROAD 

leaves Troy for Mechanicsville and the Springs from the 
junction of Albany and River streets, near some of the prin¬ 
cipal hotels, and crosses Hudson River to Green Island by 
a bridge about 1600 feet long and 35 wide, resting on piers 
of solid stone, and thence taking a direction north to Water- 
fc five miles, and crosses several branches of the Mohawk 
on substantial bridges resting on stone abutments. 

Waterford, 157 miles from New-York, and 12 above Al¬ 
bany, is situated at the junction of the Mohawk and Hudson 
rivers, upon the Champlain Canal, and on the railroad above 
described. This is the extreme head of sloop navigation. 
Waterford is connected with Lansingburg, on the east side of 
the river, by a bridge. 

Cohoes Falls, on the Mohawk River, about two miles and 
a half west from Waterford, near the village of Cohoes, and in 
full view from the Erie Canal, is a place much resorted to 
by visitors from all parts. The falls have a perpendicular 
descent of about seventy-five feet. The banks of the river 
vary in height from 50 to 150 feet, and present grand and 
romantic scenery. A short distance below the falls the ri¬ 
ver is crossed by a bridge about 800 feet in length. 


154 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


From Waterford, the railroad passes for eight miles be¬ 
tween the Hudson and Champlain Canal to Mechanicsville, 
a small but thriving village ; it then crosses the canal, and 
in about four miles passes Round Lake, on its way to Ball- 
ston Spa, where it connects with the routes from Schenectady, 
and, after a short detention to land and receive passengers, 
passes on to Saratoga Springs. 


THE SARATOGA AND SCHENECTADY RAILROAD, 
constructed in 1832, at a cost of $300,000, commences at 
Schenectady, near the Erie Canal, where it connects with the 
Mohawk and Hudson Railroad from Albany, the Troy and 
Schenectady Railroad fromTroy, and the railroad to Utica and 
the west. It extends across the city to the bridge, over which 
it passes without interruption to the ordinary travel ; thence 
the road runs across the Mohawk Flats, for about three- 
fourths of a mile ; thence takes a northeasterly course, in 
full view of the river, for about four miles ; thence a north¬ 
erly course, along the banks of Ballston Lake, and enters 
the village of Ballston Spa. Leaving Ballston, it crosses a 
creek, by a substantial bridge, and is thence continued to Sar¬ 
atoga. The scenery along the whole line is beautiful, and 
the country remarkably level ; the greatest inclination on the 
line of the road being sixteen feet to the mile. 

Ballston Spa is situated on Kayaderosseros Creek, a small 
stream which flows through the village. It is twenty-five 
miles from Troy, and thirty-two from Albany. Its mineral 
waters, which were discovered in i 769, have become cele¬ 
brated for their medicinal qualities, although not so popular 
as formerly, those of Saratoga being generally preferred. 
The Sans Souci Hotel, a handsome building situated near 


SARATOGA SPRINGS. 


155 


the centre of the village, is # 160 feet long, with wings ex¬ 
tending back 153 feet, and surrounded by beautiful pleasure- 
grounds. It is a well-kept house, and can accommodate 
about 150 visitors, and is a great place of fashionable resort. 
Long Lake, five miles south of the Springs, is a fine place 
for fishing. 

Saratoga Springs, 184 miles north of New-York, 39 
from Albany, and 32 from Troy, is the most noted watering 
place in the United States, and one of the most celebrated 
in the^ world. It is a great resort for visitors from all parts 
of the Union, and also from Europe. During the summer 
months, particularly July and August, the hotels and other 
places of accommodation are much thronged, the arrival of 
strangers being very great, 2000 having arrived here in a 
week. The waters are useful in many diseases, and have 
an almost magic effect upon the system relaxed or ex¬ 
hausted by disease or sedentary habits. After drinking the 
waters for a short time, which is usually before breakfast, 
the appetite is improved, and the entire system feels their 
invigorating effects. 

Here are a number of splendid hotels and boarding-houses, 
some of which are on a scale of great magnificence. The 
United States Hotel, situated in the vicinity of the depot, 
and within a short distance of the chief mineral springs, is 
built of brick, is four stories high, with north and south 
wings, and can accommodate between 300 and 400 persons. 
Congress Hall, near the Congress Spring, is a popular es¬ 
tablishment. It has a spacious piazza in front, entwined 
with evergreens, and in the rear a beautiful grove and a 
garden. Union Hall, near Congress Hall, the American, 
and several other houses, furnish excellent accommodations 
to visitors. 


156 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Congress Spring, the most celebrated, was discovered in 
1792, by a member of Congress, named Gillman, issuing 
from an aperture in the side of the rock, that formed the 
border of a little brook, which rises from the earth fifty rods 
to the west. For several years it could be collected only in 
limited quantities, as it came in a small stream from the 
rock. The supply not being sufficient to satisfy the want of 
visitors, attempts were made to remove the obstructions 
which prevented a larger supply. In excavating for its 
source the spring disappeared, and was supposed to be for 
ever lost ; but soon after signs of gas were observed rising 
through the water of the brook, near the old fountain, which 
inspired the hope of again recovering it by turning the 
stream from its course ; and, by digging eight feet through 
marl and gravel, the fountain was again discovered, over 
which was placed a tube of plank ten inches square, rising to 
the surface, from whence flows an abundant supply of the * 
finest mineral water. In the spring of 1842, this fountain, 
after being thoroughly cleansed, was renovated by putting 
down a new tube, extending to the rock from which the wa¬ 
ter issued, which restored it to its original strength. The 
following is an analysis of the water of this spring, made by 
Dr. Chilton, of New-York, May 1, 1843. One gallon, of 
231 cubic inches, contained chloride of sodium, 363.829 
grains; carbonate of soda, 7.200; carbonate of lime, 
86.143; carbonate of magnesia, 78.621 ; carbonate of iron, 
.841 ; sulphate of soda, .651 ; iodide of sodium and bro¬ 
mide of potassium, 5.920 ; silica, .472 ; alumina, .321 ; total 
543.998 grains. Carbonic acid, 284.65 ; atmospheric air, 
5.41 ; making 290.06 inches of gaseous contents. 

The other springs are numerous, many of which have 
the same properties. The Columbian Spring is situated a 


ROUTES TO MONTREAL AND QUEBEC. 


157 


short distance southwest from the Congress ; the Washing¬ 
ton fifty rods from the Columbian ; the Hamilton, the second 
spring discovered, lies directly in the rear of Congress Hall; 
Flat Rock Spring lies 100 rods northeast from the Hamilton, 
and the High Rock, 100 rods further north. 

Persons visiting the Springs, either at Saratoga or Ball- 
ston Spa, should be cautious in having their letters directed 
either to Saratoga Springs or Ballston Spa, otherwise 
they may have some difficulty in obtaining them. 


ROUTES FROM SARATOGA TO MONTREAL AND QUEBEC. 

Travellers can proceed by stage from Saratoga to Glen’s 
Falls, on the Hudson River, seventeen miles ; and to Cald¬ 
well, at the foot of Lake George, six miles; there taking 
the steamboat up the lake to Ticonderoga, 36 miles, where 
steam passage-boats, on their way up from Whitehall, stop 
to receive passengers for St. Johns and Montreal. 

Or from Saratoga to Sandy Hill, 18 miles; thence to 
Whitehall, 22 miles; thence take the steamboat up Lake 
Champlain to St. Johns, Canada, 156 miles; thence by the 
railroad to La Prairie, 15 miles; and thence up the St. 
Lawrence to Montreal, a further distance of nine miles. 
At Montreal, those destined for Quebec take the steamer 
up the St. Lawrence to William Henry, 45 miles ; Lake St. 
Peter, 53 ; Three Rivers, 90 ; St. Anne, 153 ; Cape Rouge , 
176 ; thence to Quebec, 180 miles from Montreal. 

The route from Albany and Troy, during the winter sea¬ 
son, and when the navigation is closed, is to Saratoga by 
railroad, as before given ; thence by stage to Glen’s Falls 
and Caldwell, 63 miles from Albany ; thence to Warrens- 
11 


158 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


burg, 69 ; Schroon Lake, 96 ; Elizabeth, 127 ; Keesville, 
148 ; Peru, 154 ; Plattsburg, 165; Rouse's Point, 190 ; Na- 
pierville, 207 ; St. Philip, 217 ; La Prairie , 223 ; thence 
across the St. Lawrence to Montreal, making the entire dis¬ 
tance 232 miles, which is usually performed in about 40 hours. 


ROUTES PROM ALBANY AND TROY TO MONTREAL AND 
QUEBEC. 

Passengers by the Champlain Canal, take the packet boats 
at Albany, and continue through to Whitehall, at the foot 
of Lake Champlain ; or they can go by railroad from Albany 
and Troy to Mechanicsville, where the cars unite with the 
boats bound to Whitehall. 

There is also a stage route from Albany passing through 
Troy ,7 miles, Lansingburg, 9, Schaghticoke, 16, Easton, 26, 
Greenwich, 36, Argyle , 46, Hartford, 57, Granville, 63, and 
Whitehall, 73 miles from Albany. 

By the canal route, after leaving Albany we proceed through 
West Troy to Cohoes Falls and Mechanicsville, to Whitehall. 

At Cohoes Falls, the Mohawk presents a sublime scene. 
At this place the Erie and Champlain canals are united, the 
former having, within a short distance, 17 locks. 

Stillwater, on the Champlain Canal, four miles north of 
Mechanicsville, is one of the oldest places in the State. The 
town claims some distinction in history, as containing the 
battle-ground of the armies commanded by Generals Gates 
and Burgoyne. It was on Bemus Heights that the latter Gen¬ 
eral was defeated by Gates, in 1777, after a fierce and san¬ 
guinary struggle. 

Forts Miller and Edward, places on the canal, are inter¬ 
esting from their historical reminiscences. 


ROUTES TO MONTREAL AND QUEBEC. 159 

Sandy Hill, incorporated in 1810, lies upon a high sandy 
plain, on the upper bank of the Hudson River, opposite to 
Baker's Falls, where, in the space of less than half a mile, 
the water has a fall of 76 feet, affording a very desirable 
water-pow'er. 

Glen's Falls, three miles west of Sandy Hill, lies partly on 
the north and partly on the south bank of the Hudson. The 
falls in the river, which have given name to the village, have 
a descent of 70 feet. The waters flow in one sheet over the 
brink of the precipice, 900 feet long, and, in floods, rush in 
one mass down the cataract; but in ordinary seasons they 
are immediately divided by rocks into three channels, with 
an angular descent of several hundred feet. 

Fort Ann, on the Champlain Canal, is 61 miles above 
Albany. From this place the canal has a descent of 54 feet 
to the lake, and 30 only to the Hudson River. 

Whitehall is 73 miles north from Albany, 22 from Sandy 
Hill, 40 from Saratoga Springs, 218 from New-York, and 
180 south of Montreal. It derives its importance from its 
favorable situation for trade—on the canal and Lake Cham¬ 
plain—by which it commands the business of a very exten¬ 
sive country. Its situation is low and unpleasant, the village 
being built on almost naked rock. The population amounts 
to about 4000. Canal packets and stages leave daily for 
Troy and Albany; and during the summer stages run to 
Saratoga Springs. 

At Whitehall passengers take the steamboat up the lake 
to St. Johns, 156 miles ; there take the cars to La Prairie, 
15 miles ; thence pass by steamboat up the St. Lawrence to 
Montreal, 9 miles farther ; from which place they are taken 
by steamboat up the St. Lawrence to Quebec, 180 miles, 
making the entire distance from Albany to Quebec 360 miles. 


160 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


GRAND ROUTES TO THE WEST FROM ALBANY AND 
TROY TO BUFFALO AND NIAGARA FALLS. 

The traveller to the West, via Buffalo and intermediate 
places, has the choice of two routes : the first by a continu¬ 
ous line of railroads to Buffalo, 325 miles, which has been 
chartered under different names, and under the control of 
separate companies, viz.: the Mohawk and Hudson Rail¬ 
road, 16 miles in, length ; the TJlica and Schenectady Rail¬ 
road , 77 ; the Syracuse and Utica, 54; the Auburn and Sy¬ 
racuse, 26 ; the Auburn and Rochester, 77 ; the Tonawanda 
Railroad, which extends from Rochester to Attica, 42 ; and 
the Attica and Buffalo Railroad to Buffalo, 33 miles. The 
other route is by the Erie Canal, which extends to Buffalo, a 
distance of 364 miles. The former route is the most expe¬ 
ditious and agreeable, but those travelling at leisure will find 
the latter route a very delightful one ; the canal, passing 
through a highly fertile and interesting part of the State, 
affording the traveller a succession of varied and beautiful 
scenery. 

The rates and the time between the principal places are 
as follows: By railroad from Albany to Schenectady, 50 
cents — time, 1 hour; from Schenectady to Utica, 5£ hours — 
$3.00 ; from Utica to Syracuse, 3£ hours —$2.00 ; from 
Syracuse to Auburn, 2 hours —$1.00 ; from Auburn to Ro¬ 
chester, 6 hours —$3.00; from Rochester to Buffalo, 5 hours 
—$2.50. Time between Albany and Buffalo 22^ hours — 
fare $12.00. The cars leave Albany and each of the prin¬ 
cipal places on the route three times daily—morning, after¬ 
noon, and evening ; except during the winter months, when 
they leave twice daily. Returning from Buffalo the regula¬ 
tion is the same. The depot in Albany is in Maiden Lane. 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


161 


Persons going by the Erie Canal from Albany or Troy, 
take the railroad cars to Schenectady, which is a great 
saving of time ; there taking either the packet boats, which 
go through in about three and a half days, or the line boats , 
which occupy seven days. By the former the charge is 
$7.50 with board, and $5.50 without; and by the latter, 
one and a half cents per mile with board, and one cent a 
mile without. From Schenectady to Utica, 94 miles, the 
charge by the packets is $1.50 with board—$1.00 without; 
from l/tica to Syracuse, 64 miles, the same ; from Syracuse 
to Rochester, 98 miles, $2.50 with board—$2.00 without; 
from Rochester to Buffalo, 95 miles, $2.00 with board— 
$1.50 without. 

For descriptions of Albany and Troy, the reader is re¬ 
ferred to pages 149 and 152. 

The traveller has already been made acquainted with the 
modes of reaching Schenectady: from this place we start on our 
Western tour, either for Buffalo, Niagara Falls, or the Springs 
in the vicinity of the routes. Here we have our choice of 
either the railroad or canal. The cars, on leaving Schenec¬ 
tady, cross the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal by a 
bridge nearly 1000 feet long, and an embankment of con¬ 
siderable length, when the roads diverge, that for Utica to the 
west, the other in a northeast direction to the Springs. The 
canal is continued on the south bank of the Mohawk to 
Rome, where it is joined by the Black River Canal. 

Amsterdam , on the railroad, 17 miles from Schenectady, 
is a small but thriving village. The Chuctawnunda Creek 
passes through it, with falls near its mouth of 125 feet, which 
afford considerable water-power. Stages leave this place 
daily for Fish House village, a very pleasant place on the 
Sacandaga River. This river is crossed by a wooden bridge 


162 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


with three arches, and it is 125 feet in length, with walks on 
each side. 

(h Fonda, the county seat of Montgomery county, contains a 
fine court-house, and other county buildings. Johnstown, 
four miles north, is an old place, having been laid out in 
1784 ; it is situated upon a fine plain, skirted on the north 
and west by the Cayadutta Creek, and on the south by a hill 
of moderate elevation. It is the county town of Fulton, and 
contains a court-house, prison, and county offices. 

Palatine Bridge, on the railroad, fifty-three miles from 
Albany, is connected by a bridge with the opposite side of 
the river. 

Canajoharie is situated on the Erie Canal, and is sixty- 
nine miles from Albany. Its name is derived from an In¬ 
dian word, signifying “ the pot that washes itself,” applied 
to a whirlpool at the foot of one of the falls of the creek. 
This village, which was incorporated in 1829, is a place of 
much trade, and has a population of about 2000. From this 
place, and also from Palatine Bridge, stages are in readiness 
to carry passengers to Cherry Valley and Shak6n Springs, 
situated about ten miles in a southwest and south direction 
from Palatine Bridge, the route being over a fine country. 
The Springs are situated near the village, about half a mile 
north of the turnpike road ; they are pure and clear, and not¬ 
withstanding they flow for one-fourth of a mile from their 
source with other water, preserve their distinctive character. 
The water falls over a ledge of rocks, which have a perpen¬ 
dicular descent of about sixty-five feet, with sufficient volume 
of water to turn a mill. There are two springs, which are 
situated at the foot of a hill, called the sulphur and magnesia 
springs, the former being highly impregnated with sulphur, 
and somewhat resembling the White Sulphur Springs of 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


163 


Virginia. These waters, while they have an exhilarating 
effect upon the spirits, invigorate the system and purify the 
complexion, and are efficacious in rheumatic and other dis¬ 
eases. 

The Pavilion House is large, well constructed, and ad¬ 
mirably arranged to accommodate a great number of visit¬ 
ors. It is erected on an eminence, with large columns in 
front, and presents a comfortable and inviting appearance. 
The prospect from the piazza towards the north is unlimited, 
and few views surpass it in grandeur. Its elevation renders 
the air always pure and bracing, and in hot weather delight¬ 
fully cool and refreshing. 

Cooperstown lies at the south end of Otsego Lake, thirteen 
miles southwest from Cherry Valley, and twenty-six miles 
southwest from the Erie Canal at Canajoharie. From the 
village there is a fine view of the Otsego Lake, for its whole 
extent; a delightful prospect, the lake being nine miles long 
from north to south, and from one to three wide. The hills 
which encompass it have an elevation of from 400 to 500 
feet above its surface. The purity of its water, and the rich 
and varied scenery around, give it the highest claim to the 
attention of the lovers of natural beauty. It is replenished 
with several small streams and numerous springs, and affords 
an abundant supply of salmon trout, pike, pickerel and bass, 
—the last of which has a remarkable delicacy of flavor, and 
are said to be peculiar to this lake. 

Palatine , on the railroad and Mohawk River, at the 
mouth of Garoga Creek, is fifty-nine miles from Albany, and 
is one of the stopping places on this route. St. Johnsville 
is a small settlement three miles distant. 

East Canada Creek, joins the Mohawk three miles above ; 
the cars cross it over a substantial bridge. It is a very rapid 


164 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


stream, and within the last two miles of its course falls 200 
feet. Its descent near the outlet is by six cataracts, which, 
with the intermediate rapids, occupy three-quarters of a mile, 
and is, in that distance, estimated at 180 feet. 

Little Falls, on the Mohawk River, seventy-two miles 
from Albany, is a place of considerable trade, and owing to 
the facilities afforded by the railroad, canal, and river, is 
constantly increasing. The population is about 2700. The 
village is supplied with water brought from a spring in the 
granite mountain, the elevation of the spring being 306 feet 
above the tops of the houses. This place is remarkable for 
the passage of the Mohawk River through the mountain bar¬ 
rier, for its wild and picturesque scenery, and for the diffi¬ 
culties which have been overcome in constructing the Erie 
Canal through the pass. This defile, which extends for two 
miles, is a deep cut through the solid rock: it presented ob¬ 
stacles inferior to none, save the deep excavation at Lock- 
port. This place received the name of Little Falls in con¬ 
tradistinction to the Great Falls at Cohoes. It extends along 
the river, about three-fourths of a mile, descending in that 
distance forty-two feet, and consists of two long rapids, 
separated by a stretch of deep water, occupying each about 
the fourth of a mile. The upper rapids are the most con¬ 
siderable. Above them, a dam across the stream renders it 
placid, over which the waters, separated by a small island, 
form beautiful cascades falling into a deep pool beneath, 
whence the current rushes, murmuring and foaming, over 
ridges and masses of rock,—flowing with comparative gen¬ 
tleness beneath the overarching bridge and aqueduct, and 
thence hurrying, with new impetuosity, over the stony bed 
below. The Erie Canal descends the pass by five locks, 
forty feet in the distance of one mile; and the time occupied 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


165 


in passing it affords the travellers in boats ample time to 
view leisurely the natural scenery and artificial improve¬ 
ments. The traveller by railroad cannot appreciate the 
vast expenditures on the public works, or of those effected by 
the railroad company, in merely a passing glance, as he 
is whirled rapidly along over the "iron rail.” Here are to 
be seen vast works of art, as well as those of nature, costly 
viaducts, aqueducts, locks, raceways, waterfalls, mills, 
machinery, and a noble stream urging its rapid course over 
its rocky bed in the very midst, and giving life and anima¬ 
tion to all around. Here is the beautiful aqueduct that spans 
the entire volume of the Mohawk, that is at this place com¬ 
pressed into its narrowest limits, resting on three arches, 
two of fifty, and one of seventy feet span, and thus forming 
a navigable feeder for the canal, 170 feet long. If the trav¬ 
eller has time to tarry here, if only to wait for the next train, 
he will be highly gratified by descending to the stone bridge 
and viewing the central arch, with the basin beneath, and 
then climbing up to the top of the mountain to catch a view 
of the Mohawk valley for an extent of twenty or thirty 
miles. 

Herkimer, seven miles west from Little Falls, is the 
county town of Herkimer. The village, which is mostly 
built on two parallel streets, contains the court-house, jail, 
and other public buildings, and a population of about 900. 

Richfield Springs are situated in Otsego county, on the 
north side of Schuyler’s Lake, one mile distant; they are 
reached from the north, east, and west, by railroad or the 
Erie Canal to Herkimer, where post-coaches and other con¬ 
veyances are in constant readiness to carry visitors to the 
Springs, twelve miles distant. The location is in the vicinity 
of beautiful lakes, affording the finest variety of fish; while 


166 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


their shores, and the neighboring hills and woods, yield 
abundance of game. On the lake, in the vicinity of the 
Springs, pleasure-boats and fishing apparatus are always kept 
in readiness for visitors. The ride to Otsego Lake, six 
miles distant, is over a fine road. Six miles farther is Coo- 
perstown, the residence of Mr. Cooper, the novelist. Cherry 
ValleySpringfield, and other pleasant villages, are within 
a circuit of a few miles. 

The accommodations for visitors, whether in search of 
pleasure or health, have recently been greatly improved ; and 
the hotels, which are of the first class, furnish every luxury 
and comfort usually found at those resorts. 

The following is an analysis of the Sulphur Springs, made 
by Professor Reed, formerly of the University of Edinburgh, 
and now consulting chemist in the city of New-York:— 
bi-carbonate of magnesia, 20 grains ; bi-carbonate of lime, 10 
grains ; chloride of sodium and magnesia, 1:5; sulphate of 
magnesia, 90 ; hydro, sulph. of magnesia and lime, 2 ; sul¬ 
phate of lime, 90 ; solid matter, 153 : 5 ; sulphureted hy¬ 
drogen gas, 20 : 8 inch per gallon. 

Utica is situated 93 miles from Albany by railroad, and 
232 from Buffalo ; by the Erie Canal it is 110 from the for¬ 
mer place, and 254 from the latter. The city is beautifully 
situated on the south side of the Mohawk River, on an in¬ 
clined plane rising from the river, so as to command, from its 
elevated parts, many fine views. The streets are generally 
laid out with regularity, are of good width, and well paved. 
The buildings, which are of brick, are mostly of a superior 
kind. Its population is about 15,000. It contains a court¬ 
house and other county buildings, banks, numerous churches 
of various denominations, and has several charitable and 
other institutions. The State Lunatic Asylum, situated 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


167 


on elevated ground, about a mile west of the centre of 
the city, has fine buildings, with a large farm attached to 
it. This institution, which is an honor to the State, is for 
persons of unsound mind resident within its limits. Friends 
of this unfortunate class can always obtain admission for 
them, on application to the proper authorities. 

Utica is a central point for canals, railroads, and turn¬ 
pikes, which radiate from it in all directions. The railroads, 
and the Erie Canal, (which is here seventy feet wide and 
seven feet deep,) pass through it, on the east to Albany, and 
on the west to Buffalo ; and the Chenango Canal, which is 
here joined with the Erie, extends south to Binghampton in 
Broome county, 96 miles distant. The country around is 
fertile, populous, and rich, and is the centre of an extensive 
trade. 

There are many well-kept hotels, which are situated on 
Genesee-st., the principal street in the city. 

Stages leave Utica for all the chief places within a circuit 
of many miles ; and for Ithaca , 94 miles from Utica, three 
times a week. 

Trenton Falls, which are situated on West Canada 
Creek, fifteen miles in a northeast direction from Utica, are 
yearly growing in interest with the tourist. They can be 
reached by conveyances from Little Falls, Herkimer, and 
Utica ; they are however nearer to the latter place, and by 
leaving early in the morning, the visitor, if he intends de¬ 
voting only one day to view these splendid falls, will have an 
opportunity of returning in the evening. These falls, which 
are six in number, commence a short distance above the 
High Bridge, on the Black River road, and terminate at 
Conrad’s Mills ; embracing a distance of two miles, with an 
aggregate fall of 312 feet. The appearance of the falls va- 


168 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


ries greatly with the state of the water. In seasons of 
freshet, the scene is tremendously wild and exciting; though 
possessing at all times great interest. 

There is a well-kept hotel near the falls, where visitors 
will meet with every accommodation ; and the fine trout 
dinners which are usually served up here are delicious. 
From this house you descend a pathway leading to a long 
staircase down the steep bank of the West Canada Creek, 
which has worn a frightful chasm through a rocky range, in 
some places 150 feet deep ; thence you proceed up the stream, 
and follow the winding footpath to Sherman’s Fall, which 
has a descent of 35 feet, with its greatest fall towards the 
W'est, from the foot of which the stream pours along, with 
less rapidity descending to Conrad’s Falls, which have a 
pitch of about 20 feet. The High Falls have a perpendicu¬ 
lar pitch of 109 feet, and are divided by rifts in the rock into 
three different and splendid cascades,—forming, with the 
chasm, the high banks covered with foliage, and the rocky 
cliffs, a scene of the wildest grandeur. The Mill-Dam Fall, 
from the regularity and smoothness of the rock, has a uni¬ 
form pitch of about 16 feet, with a width of about 175 feet. 
The waters of the Upper Falls, which have an abrupt de¬ 
scent of about twenty feet, are received into a capacious 
basin, that passes off through a wild ravine along the rocky 
bed of the river, for about a mile, towards the Cascades , 
which have a fall of about eighteen feet. 

A few years ago, two young ladies lost their lives' here, in 
consequence of the unprotected state in which a narrow 
ledge of rocks was left, at the foot of a high precipice, and 
on the brink overlooking the rushing waters, from whence 
they fell into the boiling stream, and were lost forever. Af¬ 
ter this unfortunate circumstance it was made secure, by 




t'seoTV 



r 

% 

[ 

K 

D 

































































































/ 




















ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


169 


guarding it with a chain, supported by iron standards, which 
are made fast to the rock. 

From Utica we proceed westward to Whitesboro’, a few 
miles distant, a pleasant village, surrounded by rich and 
cultivated lands, and having a population of about 2000. 

Oriskany, situated on a creek of the same name, near its 
junction with the Mohawk, is a small but thriving village. 
The Oriskany Manufacturing Company is located here. - 

Rome, through which passes the railroad from Albany, is 
between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, and near the 
Erie Canal. It is handsomely laid out, having wide streets 
crossing each other at right angles, and two squares. It 
contains a court-house, jail, county-offices. United States 
arsenal, a number of work-shops, and about 2500 inhabit¬ 
ants. The village, which is a semi-capital of the county, 
is built on the site of Fort Stanwix, erected here in 1758, 
and rebuilt during the revolutionary war, under the name of 
Fort Schuyler, on the summit level between the ocean and 
Lake Ontario. Hawley's Basin , on the canal, four miles dis¬ 
tant, is a small but growing place. 

Verona Centre, Oneida Depot, and Wampsville, are small 
and unimportant places on the route. At the second of 
these, the passenger cars usually stop a few minutes. 

Syracuse, on both railroad and canal, is 147 miles from 
Albany and 178 from Buffalo, by the former route, and 171 
miles from Albany and 193 from Buffalo, by the latter or ca¬ 
nal route. It was incorporated in 1825, and now contains 
about 8000 inhabitants. The village and surrounding coun¬ 
try are celebrated for the manufacture of salt, made from 
brine springs which abound here. These works are an im¬ 
portant scource of revenue to the State, which receives six 
cents per bushel on all that is manufactured here. Fine 


170 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


salt is made by evaporation by heat, and coarse salt by solar 
evaporation. The Oswego Canal connects Syracuse and 
the Erie Canal with Lake Ontario. A railroad will before 
long unite the two places. 

The Syracuse House, an excellent hotel near the railroad 
depot, and the Empire House, which has recently been 
built and elegantly furnished, are the two principal hotels 
here. 

Omnibuses leave Syracuse for Salina every hour. The 
canal boats stop a quarter of a mile south of the railroad 
depot. 

At Syracuse, the railroad and canal, which have kept in 
close proximity with each other from Schenectady, here 
take a separate course, each winding and twisting about un¬ 
til they again meet at Rochester, the railroad crossing the 
canal at Pittsford ; whence they again diverge, the Erie Ca¬ 
nal taking a westerly direction to Lockport, and thence a 
southerly one to Buffalo. The railroad takes a course south¬ 
west to Batavia, thence southerly to Attica ; thence almost 
due west to Buffalo. Passengers to the west, can select 
either of the above routes, or the canal route from Syracuse 
to Oswego, thirty.eight-miles.—the usual time being seven 
hours, and the fare $1.50, and there take the steamboat to 
the mouth of the Genesee River. Travellers can also go 
from Oswego to Niagara Falls. Fare, including meals, 
$4 00 to $5.00. 

Skaneateles, five miles south of the Auburn and Syracuse 
Railroad, with which it is connected by a branch railroad, is 
delightfully situated at the foot of Skaneateles Lake. The 
site of the village is one of surpassing beauty, commanding 
a view of the lake, which is very transparent, for seven or 
eight miles, and of the country, which rises gently from the 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


171 


shore into hills of 100 feet in height, having their banks 
highly cultivated, and surrounded by fine farms and country 
residences. This lake is sixteen miles long, and from half 
a mile to one and a half wide, and abounds with trout, salmon 
trout, and other fish. Its water is deep and remarkably 
pure, its bottom gravelly, and its shores bold and picturesque, 
rising, towards the head of the lake, abruptly several hundred 
feet. 

Auburn, one of the most beautiful and thriving villages in 
the State, is situated on the Outlet, two and a half miles 
from Owasco Lake. This lake, which is twelve miles long 
and about one wide, contains an abundance of excellent 
fish, and is a great resort for the angler. The shores 
of the lake are surrounded by rugged and picturesque 
scenery. 

Auburn is 173 miles west from Albany, and 152 east 
from Buffalo, and contains about 6000 inhabitants. The 
streets are wide, well paved, and there are handsome ranges 
of stone and brick stores, and, in the retired parts, some 
tasteful dwellings aud ornamented grounds. 

The Auburn Slate Prison, located on the north side of the 
Owasco Outlet, is a splendid edifice of its kind, erected at a 
cost of upwards of half a million of dollars, and is regarded 
as a model for such institutions The enclosure forms a 
square, 500 feet on a side, surrounded by a stone wall 2000 
feet long, and from sixteen to forty feet high. The Owasco 
Outlet passes directly along the outside of the south wall, 
and moves a water-wheel on a shaft, which extends through 
the wall, and sets the machinery in motion within the prison. 
The buildings form three sides of a square, the front of 
which is 276 feet long, and the wings 242 feet long and 45 
feet wide. The main building faces to the east. The north 


172 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


wing is divided into solitary cells and a hospital, and the 
south wing into cells. Between the wings is an area of 
grass and gravelled walks ; to the west of this is the inte¬ 
rior yard, surrounded with workshops, which are built 
against the outer wall. In the front part of the main 
building is the residence of the keeper, and offices for the 
clerk and agent. The walls that form the enclosure are 
thirty-five feet high, four thick, and two thousand feet in ex¬ 
tent, or five hundred feet on each front. The prisoners 
labor together in silence when employed, and when not em¬ 
ployed are confined in solitary cells. Visitors can obtain 
admission within the walls by paying a small fee. 

Aurelius, six miles west from Auburn, and situated in the 
centre of the township, is a small but thriving village. 

Cayuga village, lies on the northeast side of Cayuga 
Lake, and contains about 350 inhabitants. The celebrated 
“ Cayuga Bridge,” .a mile and eight rods in length, here 
crosses the lake, and gives the traveller over it an extensive 
and beautiful view of this sheet of water, and its highly 
cultivated shores as far as the eye can reach. The railroad 
bridge, which is a mile and a half in length, is carried over 
its north end. Cayuga Lake is a beautiful expanse of wa¬ 
ter, forty miles long, and from one to four broad ; its outlet 
is about twenty-five miles south of Lake Ontario. It is 
surrounded by well cultivated farms and thriving villages, 
and abounds with salmon trout , pickerel, perch, white-fish, 
pike, tyc. This lake is very deep, in some places, it is said, 
exceeding 500 feet; its water is very transparent, and 
owing to its depth is rarely closed by ice, even in the most 
rigorous winters. It is navigated by steamboats from Cay¬ 
uga Bridge to Ithaca in its south part, a distance of forty 
miles, stopping at intermediate places. These boats run in 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


173 


connection with the cars on the Auburn and Rochester, and 
Ithaca and Owego railroads, and also with the various stage 
routes in this vicinity. The boats leave Ithaca at an early 
hour in the morning daily for Cayuga Bridge, arriving in 
time for the trains going either east or west. 

The situation of Ithaca is one of extreme beauty, lying 
one and a half miles above the head of the lake, and sur¬ 
rounded on three sides by an amphitheatre of hills, rising by 
a gentle ascent to the height of 500 feet. A portion of the 
village is built on the hills, from which commanding situa¬ 
tion a splendid view of the lake and its adjacent country is 
obtained. The population of the village is about 6000. The 
location of this beautiful and attractive place for trade baa 
been very fortunate. By the Ithaca and Owego Railroad , thirty 
miles in length, it communicates with Owego on the Susque¬ 
hanna River, and by the lake and the Seneca and Erie Ca¬ 
nals with New-York and Buffalo. In a year or two.the above 
road will connect with the Erie Railroad from New-York 
to Dunkirk, on Lake Erie. Its trade with Pennsylvania is 
considerable, receiving iron and coal in exchange for plaster, 
salt, lime, flour, and merchandise. 

Seneca Falls village is situated on both sides of the outlet 
of Seneca Lake, and is sixteen miles west from Auburn. 
The water-power afforded by the outlet is very great, the 
descent, in a distance of twelve miles, being about eighty feet. 
The Auburn and Rochester Railroad, and the Cayuga and 
Seneca Canal, which unites with the Erie Canal at Mon¬ 
tezuma, pass through the village. 

Waterloo lies on the outlet of Seneca Lake, along which 
runs the Seneca Canal, and the Auburn and Syracuse Rail¬ 
road, which passes through the village. It contains grist 
and saw-mills, tanneries, and other evidences of industry, 
12 


174 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

and is an active, bustling place, with a population of about 
2500. 

Geneva , situated at the northwest corner of Seneca Lake, 
which is here about two miles wide, is 52 miles west from 
Syracuse, 51 southeast from Rochester, 199 from Albany, 
and 126 from Buffalo. It is built upon the side and summit 
of an eminence rising up from the lake, the plane of which 
is elevated more than 100 feet above it, from which is a fine 
view of this beautiful expanse of water, the high and sloping 
shore beyond it, and the valley of its outlet. Upon the 
west it is bounded by low hills, rising by terraces, highly 
cultivated, and adorned with handsome dwellings. The 
principal street of the village runs near to, and parallel with 
the lake shore, and the mansions on the eastern side have 
hanging gardens reaching to the water’s edge. The busi¬ 
ness part of the village, which is compactly built, extends to 
the plain which lies at the foot of the lake, and contains 
many fine stores, &c. 

The accommodations at Geneva for visitors, at the several 
hotels, are very good, and the charges moderate. Vehicles 
can readily be obtained to convey persons to any part of the 
village or vicinity. Steamboats also ply regularly on the 
lake, connecting with stage routes to Elmira and Corning, 
and at the latter place with the railroad to Blossburg, in the 
north part of Pennsylvania. 

Seneca Lake is one of the most beautiful, and the largest 
of the lakes of Western New-York. It is forty miles long, 
and varies in width from two to four miles. From its 
great depth, twelve miles from its outlet having been found 
to be 560 feet, it is never entirely frozen over. It is elevated 
431 feet above tide-water. Its outlet, which is at the north¬ 
eastern angle, affords great water-power at Waterloo and 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


175 


Seneca Falls. The outlet of Crooked Lake enters Seneca 
Lake twelve miles south of Geneva, having a descent of 
265 feet. A canal extends from its north end to the Erie 
Canal, and another connects it with Crooked Lake. 

Canandaigua, on the Auburn and Rochester Railroad, 221 
miles from Albany, 104 from Buffalo, 74 from Syracuse, and 
29 from Rochester, is beautifully situated on a plain at the 
north end of Canandaigua Lake, at its outlet. The ground 
descends gently towards the lake, presenting a fine view of 
it from the village. Canandaigua is beautifully built, lying 
chiefly in two parallel streets, running north and south, and 
crossed at right angles by a number of others. At the cen¬ 
tre is a fine public square, on which stands the court-house, 
and other public buildings. Perhaps no place in the state 
exceeds this for its picturesque beauties, or is a more desira¬ 
ble place of residence, it being surrounded by a rich agricul¬ 
tural country, producing every luxury and comfort. 

Canandaigua Lake, another beautiful sheet of water, four¬ 
teen miles long, and from a mile to a mile and a half wide, 
is surrounded by a highly cultivated country, presenting on 
its shores much delightful scenery. Its waters, which are 
elevated 670 feet above the ocean, are very deep, beautifully 
clear, and contain a variety of excellent fish. 

The Burning Spring is situated in a ravine, on the west 
side of Bristol, eight miles southeast from Canandaigua. 
The gas rises through fissures of the slate from the margin 
and bed of the brook; where it passes through the water it 
is in bubbles, and flashes only when the flame is applied ; 
but where it flows directly from the rock, it burns with a 
steady and beautiful flame. In winter it forms openings in 
the snow, and being set on fire, the novel sight of a flame 
rising out of the snow is witnessed. In very cold weather, 


176 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


tubes of ice are formed around these currents of gas, to the 
height of two or three feet, the gas issuing from their tops ; 
the whole, when lighted in a still evening, presents a beau¬ 
tiful appearance. 

The city of Rochester lies on both sides of the Genesee 
River, seven miles south of Lake Ontario ; by railroad west 
from Albany 250 miles ; by the Erie Canal, 269 ; and east 
from Buffalo, by the former route 75 miles, and by the latter, 
95 miles. The population, in 1820, was 1502 ; in 1830, 
9269 ; in 1840, 20,191. It was founded in 1812, by Na¬ 
thaniel Rochester, and others, all of whom were from Mary¬ 
land ; incorporated as a village in 1817 ; and as a city in 
1834. It is handsomely laid out, with considerable, though 
not entire, regularity. The east and west parts of the city 
are connected by three bridges, and the river is also crossed 
in the middle of the city by the splendid aqueduct of the 
Erie Canal, which rests on eleven arches, and is 804 feet in 
length, and cost $80,000. The streets are spacious, with a 
width varying from sixty to eighty feet, well paved in the 
centre, with convenient sidewalks: and there are also seve¬ 
ral public squares which are enclosed. Buffalo-street, which 
is broad and straight, runs through the centre of the city, 
crossing the river on a bridge ; and on the east side is called 
Main-street. The city is handsomely built, chiefly with 
brick, and a large number of the stores and dwellings are 
elegant ; many of the houses have fine gardens, ornamented 
with fruit trees and shrubbery. Some of the churches and 
public buildings are handsome structures. 

Rochester owes its rapid growth and present greatness 
to the vast water-power created by the falls in Genesee 
River, which amounts to 268 feet within the bounds of the 
city, in which are three successive perpendicular falls of 96, 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


177 


20, and 105 feet, besides rapids. On these rapids and falls 
are many large flouring-mills, not surpassed by any others in 
the world, and numerous other hydraulic works. These 
mills are capable of manufacturing 5000 barrels of flour 
daily. 

As a seat of commerce the city is most admirably situat¬ 
ed. It is the port of entry of the Genesee collection dis¬ 
trict, and by Lake Ontario may participate in all the trade 
of the St. Lawrence basin. Vessels come up the Genesee 
River from the lake to Carthage, two and a half miles north 
of the centre of the city, where steamboats arrive and de¬ 
part daily, and to which there is a railroad from the city. 
The river is navigable for boats to the head of the rapids, 
a distance of 53 miles, and steamboats of light burthen may 
ply between the city and the village of Avon, twenty miles 
south. The Erie Canal passes centrally through the city, 
giving it access on the east to Albany, and thence by the 
Hudson River to New-York, and on the west to Buffalo ; 
and thence to the upper lakes and the great West. The 
Genesee Valley Canal is to connect it with Olean on the Alle¬ 
ghany River, and thence to Pittsburg. The chain of rail¬ 
roads from Boston to Buffalo passes through it, giving it a 
ready access to both sections of the country, and intermedi¬ 
ate places. 

There are several well-kept and elegantly furnished Ho¬ 
tels in Rochester, where the traveller will find every accom¬ 
modation. The principal ones are the Eagle; American; 
New Mansion House ; Congress Hall; Clinton; Rochester ; 
&c. &c. 

The Genesee Falls are seen to the best advantage from the 
east side of the stream. The railroad cars pass about 100 
rods south of the most southerly fall on Genesee River, so 


178 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


that passengers, in crossing, lose the view. The falls are 
three in number, over the first of which, the water has a 
perpendicular descent of eighty-six feet. The ledge recedes 
here up the river from the centre to the sides, breaking the 
water into three distinct sheets, unsurpassed in beauty by 
any waterfall in the state, although those of Niagara and 
Cohoes have more sublimity.' From Table Rock, in the cen¬ 
tre of these falls, the noted Sam Patch made his last and 
fatal leap into the depths below. The second fall is a 
mile and a quarter north from where the railroad crosses 
the river ; here it has a perpendicular descent of about 120 
feet. It thence pursues its course, which is noisy and rapid, 
to the third and last fall, over which it pours its flood in a 
perpendicular stream of 180 feet. 

Mount Hope, a rural cemetery amidst wild and picturesque 
scenery, is situated two miles south of the railroad depot, 
and a quarter of a mile east of the river and the Genesee 
Valley Canal. This cemetery is said to surpass in beauty 
either Greenwood at Brooklyn, or Mt. Auburn near Boston. 
Omnibuses leave Rochester for Mt. Hope many times daily. 
Fare 12£ cents. 

The Avon Springs, which are yearly increasing in public 
favor, are situated in the valley of the Genesee, nineteen 
miles from Rochester, and twenty-five from Canandaigua. 
The village, which is on the right bank of the river, is ele¬ 
vated 100 feet above it, and is delightfully situated on a ter¬ 
race, commanding an extensive view of the neighboring 
country. The waters of these springs have obtained con¬ 
siderable celebrity, owing to their efficacy in curing various 
disorders ; this, added to the rural attractions of the spot, 
has induced thousands to visit them. The Hotels are the 
Comstock House, which has recently been enlarged, and 


ROUTES TO THE WEST. 


179 


finished with drawing and sleeping rooms in the most elegant 
modern style ; the Avon Hotel, which has also been greatly 
improved, and is an excellent house ; the American, Knick¬ 
erbocker Hall, and Pavilion, which afford fine accommoda¬ 
tions. A stage leaves Rochester, during the season, every 
morning, and packet-boats on the Genesee Valley Canal 
land passengers within two miles, from which point car¬ 
riages are in readiness to convey them to the Springs. 

From Rochester there are three modes of conveyance to 
Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The route by railroad to Buffalo, 
74 miles, is the most expeditious ; the canal route, 95 miles, 
is, however, the cheapest. Steamboats, during the season 
of navigation, run daily from Carthage, which is connected 
with Rochester by railroad, to Lewiston, on the Niagara 
River; and thence the passenger is conveyed by railroad 
cars to Niagara Falls and Buffalo. 

Lockport, on the Erie Canal, 31 miles northeast from 
Buffalo, is noted as containing the deep excavation for the 
canal, which is cut through the mountain ridge for a distance 
of three miles, at an average of twenty feet deep, in lime¬ 
stone rock. It descends in a natural ravine from the higher 
to the lower plain, by five double locks of twelve feet lift 
each; so that whilst one boat ascends, another may descend 
the steep. These locks, which are of superior workmanship, 
with stone steps in the centre and at either side, are guarded 
with iron railings for the convenience of passengers. The 
canal beingsupplied by Tonawanta Creek from the inexhaust¬ 
ible reservoir, Lake Erie, distant 30 miles, affords an abun¬ 
dant supply of water for hydraulic purposes, whence the 
village derives, chiefly, its prosperity. From the foot of the 
steps the canal continues upon one level of 66 miles, ending 
two miles east of Rochester. From Lockport extends a 
railroad to Niagara Falls and Lewiston. 


180 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


[ BUFFALO. 

This city, a port of entry, and the capital of Erie county, 
is situated on the outlet of Lake Erie, at the head of Niagara 
River, and at the mouth of Buffalo Creek which forms its 
harbor. It is from Albany, by railroad, 325 miles,—by the 
Erie Canal, 364 miles; 470 from New-York ; 22 south- 
southeast from Niagara Falls ; 75 from Rochester, by rail¬ 
road ; 31 from Lockport; 103 north-northeast from Cleve¬ 
land, Ohio; 290 east-by-north from Detroit; and 597 from 
Chicago, Illinois. 

Buffalo was originally laid out in 1801, but grew slowly 
until 1812, when in that year it became a military post, and 
in Dec. 1813, every building in it, save two, was burnt by a 
party of British and Indians. It soon, however, rose from 
its ashes, and in four years afterwards contained upwards of 
a hundred buildings, some of which were large and elegant 
brick houses. In 1829 it had upwards of 2000 inhabitants 
and 400 houses. At the present time its population exceeds 
30,000, and is rapidly increasing. At the close of the war 
of 1812, the United States paid the inhabitants of Buffalo a 
compensation of $80,000 for the losses they had sustained 
by the conflagration of 1813. 

Buffalo owes the commencement of her prosperity to the 
completion of the Erie Canal, which was opened in 1825. 
It vras incorporated as a city in April, 1832 ; is divided into 
five wards, and governed by mayor and common council, 
annually elected. It is laid out partly on a bluff' or terrace, 
rising fifty feet above the lake, and partly on the low ground 
or marsh towards the lake and creek. The marsh having been 
drained, is now become the business part of the city. The 
ground on which the city is built rises gradually from the 
creek which runs through its south part, and at the distance 


BUFFALO. 181 

of two miles it becomes an elevated and extended plain, 
fifty feet above Lake Erie. From this elevation there is a 
delightful view of the lake, the Niagara River, the Erie Ca¬ 
nal, and the Canada shore. The city is regularly laid out, 
with broad and straight streets that intersect usually at right 
angles. Main-street, which is more than two miles in length, 
and 120 feet in breadth, is occupied on either side with fine 
and lofty stores, dwellings, and hotels, which present an im¬ 
posing appearance. There are three public squares, Niagara, 
Franklin, and Washington, which are planted with trees, 
adding much to the beauty and health of the city. Buffalo 
has a court-house, jail, county-clerk’s office, two mar¬ 
kets, in the upper story of one of which are the common 
council chamber and city offices, and about twenty churches. 
It has also several banking-houses, a theatre, and many spa¬ 
cious and elegant hotels. 

A pier, of wood and stone, extends 1500 feet on the south 
side of the mouth of the creek, so as to form a breakwater, 
for the protection of vessels from the violent gales which are 
not unfrequently experienced here. A lighthouse, 46 feet 
high and 20 in diameter, is placed at the head of the pier : 
it is a substantial and beautiful structure, built of dressed 
yellowish limestone, and is an ornament to the city. 

The commerce of Buffalo has already become very great 
in consequence of the trading facilities afforded by the canal 
and railroad, in connection with the lake navigation, which 
has an extent of some thousands of miles. 

Buffalo has communication on th'e east by canal with Al¬ 
bany, and thence by a complete chain of railroads, 525 
miles in length, with Boston. It is also connected by rail¬ 
road with Niagara Falls and Lewiston, on the north. 

The principal Hotels in Buffalo are Coition’s Western Ho~ 


182 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


tel, at the depot of the Niagara Railroad ; Mansion House, 
corner of Main and Exchange streets ; U. S. Hotel; Huff's 
Hotel, 83 Main-st. : at the latter house the price of board is 
$1.00 per day. There are also other excellent houses. 


ROUTE FROM BUFFALO TO CHICAGO, VIA DETROIT. 

By steamboat from Buffalo to Erie, Pa., 90 miles ; thence 
to Cleveland, 194 miles ; Huron, 240 ; Sandusky, 250 ; 
Detroit, 327 miles. By railroad from Detroit to Kalamazoo, 
146 miles ; thence by stage to St. Josephs, on Lake Michigan, 
55 miles— through by daylight; thence crossing the Lake, 
by steamboat to Chicago, 69 miles. The whole distance 
through from Buffalo to Chicago by this route is 597 miles. 
The time occupied is thirty hours. Fare $9.50—to Detroit 
$ 6 . 00 . 

During the summer season travellers have an opportunity 
of going from Buffalo and Detroit to Chicago, by the way of 
the great Upper Lakes, Huron and Michigan, stopping at 
all the principal places. Difference in time between this 
and the former route (by steamboat) about forty-eight hours, 
Fare from Buffalo $8.00. Time four days; distance 1050 
miles. 

The following, which is a summary of a trip from New- 
York to Chicago, via Albany, Buffalo, and Detroit, is by a 
correspondent of one of our daily papers, and will convey 
more information, for those about taking this excursion, than 
any other description we are able to give. 

Leaving New-York by the 7 o’clock boat, on Monday 
evening, for Albany, you breakfast at that place next morn¬ 
ing, and at o’clock proceed to the Railroad Office, and 


ROUTE FROM BUFFALO TO CHICAGO, VIA DETROIT. 183 

get a through-ticket for Buffalo, for which you pay $ 12.00. 
After an hour’s ride you reach Schenectady, and proceed 
thence on the way to Utica, where you stop for dinner ; and 
then with the same rapidity fly away to Syracuse, where 
you can stop till morning, if too much fatigued to ride all 
night;—if, however, you are in a hurry, you can keep your 
seat in the cars, and at sunrise the next morning will find 
yourself in Buffalo: but if you prefer travelling by daylight, 
you can spend the night in Syracuse or Auburn, and the next 
day you have an opportunity to see the beautiful villages of 
Geneva,,Canandaigua, Batavia, and the city of Rochester, 
and arrive in Buffalo in the evening of the second day— 
Wednesday. 

You now take passage on one of the large and elegant 
Upper Lake boats. Here you generally find companies of 
ladies and gentlemen, bound on a voyage of pleasure, with 
guns, fishing-tackle, harps, flutes, violins, and other music. 
The next morning, which is Thursday, you land at Cleve¬ 
land ; and here, while the boat is taking in wood, &c, you 
have an hour or two to ride around the town. You leave 
Cleveland at 11 or 12 o clock, and the next morning, Fri¬ 
day, at daylight, you are in Detroit. Another hour or two is 
spent about the city, and you are off for Mackinaw. Satur¬ 
day morning finds you moored amidst bark canoes and 
Indian tents, close under a high rocky fort, bristling with a 
hundred cannon. After getting a breakfast of Mackinaw 
trout, trying your luck at fishing in water so clear that you 
can see a trout twenty feet from the surface, buying a few 
trinkets from the young squaws, visiting the forts and bar¬ 
racks, you sail for Chicago, where you arrive on Sunday at 
sunrise, making the whole trip of 1500 miles in five days, at 
an expense of $21.00, all told. The fare on the lakes is 


184 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


$8.00, or about $2.00 a day—the same as at an hotel. 
This includes passage and board. 

Hotels in Detroit. —The National Hotel, Mansion- 
House, Steamboat Hotel, Railroad Hotel, Steamboat Tem¬ 
perance House. The price of board per day, at each of the 
above houses, varies from 75 cents to $1.25. 

Hotels in Chicago. —The Sherman House, which keeps a 
splendid table,—$1.25 per day. Lake House, accommoda¬ 
tions equal to any of the Eastern hotels,—$1.25 per day. 
The Tremont House, Mansion House, Western Hotel, 
American Temperance House, and many other good houses, 
with board for $1.00 per day. 

Hotels in Milwaukie. —The United States Hotel , 
Milwaukie House, City Hotel. Board about $1.25 per day. 

From Chicago to Galena, Illinois, by stage, 167 miles. 
Fare averages $8.00. Time about two days. 

From Chicago to St. Louis. —By stage to Peru, on the 
Illinois River, 100 miles ; by steamboat, at Peru, down the riv¬ 
er to St. Louis. Time from three to three and a half days. 
Fare averages about $9.00. 

Hotels in St. Louis. — City, Planters’, Virginia, and sev¬ 
eral other well-kept houses. 

From St Louis to New-Orleans. —Take the steamboat 
at St. Louis, passing down the river to Memphis, Tennessee, 
370 miles ; thence to Vicksburg, Mississippi, 352 miles; 
thence to Natchez , Miss., 95 miles ; and from thence to 
New-Orleans, 270 miles ; making the entire distance 1087 
miles, which is performed in about four days. The distance 
from New-Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico is about ninety 
miles. 


ROUTES FROM BUFFALO TO NIAGARA FALLS. 185 


ROUTES FROM BUFFALO TO NIAGARA FALLS. 

Visitors can reach Niagara Falls from Buffalo, either by 
the Buffalo and, Niagara Falls Railroad, or by Steamboat to 
Chippewa, on the Canada side, or to Schlosser, on the 
American side. These Falls are also reached from Roches¬ 
ter by the Erie Canal to Lockport, and from thence by rail¬ 
road to the Falls ; thereby dispensing with the route through 
Buffalo,—a saving of both time and expense. By the Buffalo 
and Niagara Falls Railroad, passengers are conveyed direct 
to the Falls, on the American side, twenty-two miles distant ; 
and from the steamboat-landing at Schlosser, either by the 
cars, or stage, running direct to the Falls. From the landing at 
Chippewa, the traveller is conveyed by the railroad connect¬ 
ing Queenston with that place, to Niagara Falls, a short dis¬ 
tance north of Chippewa, stopping opposite the Pavilion Ho¬ 
tel, and about half a mile from the Clifton House. 

The fare on each of the routes from Buffalo is 75 cents; 
going and, returning by the same conveyance, $1.25. 


FALLS OF NIAGARA. 

These Falls are esteemed the most sublime object of the 
kind in the world, language being incapable of conveying to 
the mind an adequate description of their beauties—their 
immensity raising emotions of wonder, terror, and delight, 
in all who look upon them. There are other falls which have 
a ^freater perpendicular descent, but none in the known 
world where such a mass of water is precipitated from so 
great a height. It has been computed that the quantity of 
water discharged over the Falls is about 670,000 tons per 


186 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


minute. On viewing this magnificent work of nature, the 
words of the Psalmist are forcibly brought to mind : “ I will 
remember the works of the Lord. Thou art the God that 
doest wonders. The waters saw thee, 0 God, the depths 
also were troubled, the earth trembled and shook. Thy way 
is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy foot¬ 
steps are not known.” 

The Falls are situated on the Niagara River, fourteen 
miles above Lake Ontario, and twenty-three miles below 
Lake Erie, on the New-York side. The river forms the 
outlet of the waters of the great upper lakes, which, together 
with Erie and Ontario, drain, according to Professor Drake 
of Kentucky, an area of country equal to 40,000 square 
miles, and the extent of Iheir surface is estimated at 93,000 
square mile3. These lakes contain nearly one half of the 
fresh water on the surface of the globe. At the distance of 
about three-fourths of a mile above the Falls, the river begins 
a rapid descent, making within that distance a succession of 
slopes, equal to fifty-two feet on the American side, and 
fifty-seven on the opposite one, and forming a powerful cur¬ 
rent at the Falls, it turns at a right-angle to the northeast, 
and is then suddenly contracted in width from three miles to 
three-fourths of a mile. Below the cataract the river is only 
half a mile wide, but its depth is said to exceed 300 feet. 

The cataract is divided into two parts by Goat or Iris 
Island, containing about seventy-five acres ; but the principal 
channel is on the western or Canadian side, whose waters 
form the Great Horse-Shoe Fall, over which about seven- 
eighths of the whole is thrown. The eastern channel 'be¬ 
tween Goat Island and the State of New-York, is again 
divided by a small island, named Prospect, forming a beauti¬ 
ful cascade. The descent on the American side, as ascer- 


FALLS OF NIAGARA. 187 

tained by measurement, is 164 feet, and on the Canadian 
side 158 feet. 

The chief features of this sublime scene are—the Great 
Horse-Shoe Fall, Goat Island, Table Rock, and the Ameri¬ 
can Fall. The best single 
view of the cataract is that 
from Table Rock, on the 
Canadian side ; the best 
view of the rapids is from 
Goat Island, and of the 
American Fall, from the 
Ferry, a short distance be¬ 
low the Falls, on the Amer¬ 
ican side ; but the most 
sublime and overpowering 
view is that of the Great 
Horse-Shoe Fall, on the 
Canadian side. The en¬ 
graving presents a view 
of Table Rock. 

A bridge connects Bath and Goat Islands with the main 
land, the erection of which was a work of noble daring, for 
it is here that the waters rush with tremendous velocity 
towards the fearful abyss. 

On Bath Island is a toll-house, where visitors are required 
to inscribe their names, and at the same time pay a fee of 
twenty-five cents, which entitles them to visit all the islands, 
with their appendages, as often as may be wished, during the 
visit, or season, without any additional charge. On Goat 
Island the visitor will find guide-boards, directing to all the 
most interesting places and ohjects around the Island. There 
is also a bridge, called the Terrapin Bridge, about 300 feet 






188 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


in length, jutting out from the west part of Goat Island, 
which projects ten feet over the Horse-Shoe Fall. On the 
rocks, at the verge of the precipice, is a stone tower, erected 
in 1833, which is forty-five feet in height, with winding 
stairs on the inside, and an open gallery on the top, sur¬ 
rounded by an iron balustrade, from which, or from the end 
of the bridge, the effect of the Falls upon the beholder is 
awfully sublime. 

The descent to the bottom of the Falls, on Goat Island, is 
accomplished by covered winding stairs, erected in the year 
1829, by the late Nicholas Biddle, Esq., of Philadelphia: it 
gives visitors an opportunity of descending below the bank, 
and of passing a considerable distance behind the two main 
sheets of water. The descent from the island to the margin 
of the river is 185 feet. A common flight of steps leads 
down 40 feet to the perpendicular spiral steps, 90 in num¬ 
ber, which are enclosed in a building in the shape of a hexa¬ 
gon, resting on a firm foundation at the bottom. From the 
foot of the building there are three paths leading to the most 
important points of observation, one of which leads to the 
river below, a distance of 80 feet, where visitors will find 
one of the finest fishing places in this part of the world. 
Here was Sam Patch’s jumping-place. The path at the left 
of the staircase leads to the great Crescent, or Horse-Shoe 
Fall, where, when the wind blows uj) the river, a safe and 
delightful passage is opened behind the sheet of water. The 
path to the right leads to a magnificent cave, appropriately 
named, on its discovery, ./Bolus’ Cave, or Cave of the Winds ; 
it is about 120 feet across, 50 feet wide, and 100 feet high, 
and is situated directly behind the Centre Fall, or Cascade, 
which at the bottom is more than 100 feet wide. 

About 100 feet below the Falls, on the American side, is 


FALLS OF NIAGARA. 


189 


another staircase leading to the Ferry, which connects with 
the Canadian shore. From the Ferry a very near view of 
the highest Fall, and a most charming prospect of the entire 
Fall, are obtained. 

There is not the least danger in crossing the river, compe¬ 
tent persons having charge of the boats ; and, for a short 
one, the excursion is delightful, eight minutes being the 
usual time in crossing. Persons occasionally swim across 
without difficulty. 

The visitor on being landed will proceed up the bank by 
a carriage road, at the head of which stands the Clifton 
House ; here he may obtain refreshments, and afterwards 
proceed towards Table Rock, where will be found a spiral 
staircase, from the foot of which you can pass 153 feet be¬ 
hind the sheet of water. A gentleman has the charge of 
this staircase, and furnishes dresses and a guide for visitors 
who wish to go behind the sheet. There is here a reading- 
room, and a place of refreshment, with albums, an exami¬ 
nation of which will, no doubt, prove interesting. 

About equidistant between the Clifton House and Table 
Rock stands Mr. Barnett’s very interesting Museum, a visit 
to which should not be omitted. The Camera Obscura, near 
the Museum, is also worthy the attention of visitors. 

From Table Rock you have one broad and imposing view 
of the entire Falls, and much of the scenery of the rapids and 
islands. It is generally conceded that this view, and that 
from the Terrapin Bridge and Tower, are the best, and 
combine more of the beautiful and sublime than can be ob¬ 
tained from any other point on either side of the river. In 
ascending the bank from Table Rock to the hotels, you 
have a fine and extensive view of the surrounding country. 

A suspension bridge is about to be throvyn over the Ni^- 
13 


190 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


gara River near the Falls, the stock of which has been all 
subscribed for. The work, which is to be on a stupendous 
scale, 200 feet above the river, will be 800 feet long, and 40 
feet wide—the centre track for cars, that will connect with 
the Canada Railroad through to Detroit, and be capable of 
transporting 300 tons over it at once, at the rate of ten miles 
to the hour. There will be two tracks for carriages, and a 
foot-path ; and it will have three spans, with abutments 200 
feet high. The completion of this noble work of art will, no 
doubt, be the means of drawing an immense increase of 
visitors to this most attractive and lovely spot. It will take 
about two years to complete it, which will be in time for the 
Canada Railroad. 

Three miles below the Falls is the Whirlpool, resembling 
in its appearance the celebrated Maelstrom on the coast of 
Norway. It is occasioned by the river making nearly a 
right-angle, while it is here narrower than at any other place, 
not being more than thirty rods in width, and the current 
running with such an amazing velocity as to rise up in the 
middle ten feet above the sides. This has been ascertained 
by actual measurement. 

There is a path leading down the bank to the Whirlpool 
on both sides, and, though somewhat difficult to descend and 
ascend, it is accomplished almost every day on the Ameri¬ 
can side. 

A mile below the Whirlpool is a place on the American 
side called the “ Devil’s Hole,” embracing about two acres, 
cut out laterally and perpendicularly in the rock by the side 
of the river, and about 150 feet deep. An angle of this hole 
or gulf comes within a few feet of the stage road, affording 
travellers an opportunity, without alighting, of looking into 
the yawning abyss. But they should alight and pass to the 


FALLS OF NIAGARA. 


191 


farther side of the flat projecting rock, where they will feel 
themselves richly repaid for their trouble. 


DISTANCES. 

Miles. 

From Steamboat Landing across to Chippewa . . 

From Fort Schlosser to Chippewa. 

From the Falls to Chippewa. 2 

Across the River at the Falls. | 

From the Eagle and Cataract Hotels to Table Rock 1 £ 

From the Falls to the Mineral Springs.2 

" to the Whirlpool. 3 

to the Devil’s Hole. 4 

to Erie Canal at Tonawanda ... 11 

to Buffalo.22 

to Lockport. 18 

tl to Lewiston. 7 

to Goat Island by the bridge . . . *58* 

Across the Falls on the American side. 56 

Across the foot of Goat Island. 80 

Length of Goat Island. 60 

Across the Horse-Shoe Fall. 1]4 

From the steps of the Eagle and Cataract Hotels to 

top of the bank. 200 

Top of the bank down the staircase to the River . 28 

Width of River at the Ferry.76 

Up the Canada bank. 76 


Depth of water at the Horse-Shoe 
Depth of water at the Ferry . . 


Feet. 


20 

250 


At the close of the last war with Great Britain, three large 
British ships, stationed on Lake Erie, were declared unfit 
















192 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

for service, and condemned. Permission was obtained to 
send them over the Falls. The first was torn to shivers by the 
rapids, and went over in fragments ; the second filled with 
water before she reached the falls ; but the third, which was 
in better condition, took the leap gallantly, and retained her 
form till she was hidden in the mist below. A reward of ten 
dollars was offered for the largest fragment of wood which 
should be found from either wreck, five for the second, and 
so on. One piece only was seen, and that, about a foot 
long, was mashed as by a vice, and its edges notched like 
the teeth of a saw. 

In the year 1827 a few individuals purchased a large 
schooner of 140 tons burthen. This vessel was towed down 
the river to within half a mile of the “ rapids,” when it was 
cut adrift and left to its fate. The rapids are caused by 
numerous ledges of rocks from two to four feet high, extend¬ 
ing wholly across the river, over which the water succes¬ 
sively pitches for about the distance of a mile immediately 
above the main cataract. The vessel got safely over the 
first ledge, but upon pitching over the second, her masts 
went by the board : she sprang a-leak and filled with water, 
but contrived nevertheless to float, though she changed her 
position to stern foremost, in which manner she took her last 
plunge over the main fall, her bowsprit being the last part 
that was visible of her. She of course never rose more, but 
numerous fragments of her timbers and planking were picked 
up some miles below in very small pieces, bruised, torn, and 
shivered There were two bears and some other animals on 
board of her, but the bears seemed to have had some mis¬ 
givings of the safety of the voyage, and therefore when she 
sprang a-leak and floated stern foremost they stepped over¬ 
board, and with much difficulty succeeded in swimming 
















ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO PHILADELPHIA. 


193 


ashore, after having been carried half way down towards the 
main cataract by the rapidity of the current. It is the opi¬ 
nion of those who have been long resident near the cataract, 
that not even the different sorts of fish that happen to be 
forced down the falls ever escape with life ; and in corrobo¬ 
ration of this, numerous dead fish are daily seen below the 
gulf: wild fowl too, unmindful of their danger, or floated 
down while they are asleep, never escape destruction if once 
driven within the verge of the main cataract. 


RAILROAD ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO PHILADELPHIA. 

There are two great lines of travel between these impor¬ 
tant and populous cities ; the first of which is the Railroad 
Line; the other is by steamboat and railroad united, de¬ 
scribed hereafter : the former is the most expeditious, and 
the latter (in pleasant weather) the most varied and inter¬ 
esting. 

The railroad line leaves New-York from the foot of Lib¬ 
erty-street daily, at 9 o’clock A. M , and 4\ o’clock P. M., 
where tickets for the route are procured; thence passengers 
are conveyed across the ferry to Jersey City, where is the 
depot and starting-place. Time between the two cities , 
usually five hours ; distance 87 miles. Fare in the first 
class cars , $4.00 ; second class, $3.00 

The route from Jersey City passes through Newark, New 
Brunswick, Trenton, and crosses the Delaware by a sub¬ 
stantial bridge to Bristol, on the Delaware River. Here, 
during the season of navigation, passengers are usually con¬ 
veyed in a commodious steamer down the beautiful Dela¬ 
ware to Philadelphia. 


194 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


The Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad is now continued 
to Bridesburg, seven miles above the city, where the com¬ 
pany have erected a splendid depot with a front of 400 feet, 
which extends into the river a distance of from 150 to 180 
feet. 

It is expected that shortly the arrangements for a change 
on this route will be completed, and that the large boats 
will land New-York passengers at Bridesburg, instead of at 
Bristol, who will be conveyed thence by steamboat to Phila¬ 
delphia. By this route full half an hour will be saved. 

At Trenton a branch road unites the New Jersey with the 
Camden and Amboy, over which the route is sometimes 
changed to the latter road, arriving in Camden, opposite to 
Philadelphia. 

At Bergen, two and a half miles from Jersey City, is a 
branch railroad leading to the manufacturing town of Pater¬ 
son, 17 miles distant. Fare 50 cents. Here are the Passaic 
Falls, which are celebrated for their picturesque beauty, and 
are much visited by strangers. 

Jersey City is situated on the west bank of the Hudson 
River, opposite to New-York, and is connected with that 
city by a steam-ferry, over a mile in length, the boats on 
which are constantly plying. 

According to the census of 1843, its population was 3750, 
being an increase of about 700 since 1840. 

Jersey City has become an important place, as a diverg¬ 
ing point for the great route connecting the north with the 
south, and which is continued to Philadelphia. It is also 
the starting place of the Paterson Railroad, which has its 
depot here. The Morris Canal, uniting the Delaware and 
Hudson rivers, and which is 101 miles in length, terminates 
in this city. 


ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO PHILADELPHIA. 195 



Paterson Depot.] Jersey City. [Philadelphia Depot. 


The prosperity of this city will be greatly increased on be¬ 
coming the station for a new line of British steamships, for 
whose accommodation an extensive wharf is now being 
built at the foot of Grand-street, at a great cost, by the Jer¬ 
sey City Ferry Company. 

Newark, 9 miles from Jersey City, 51 from Trenton, 
and 78 from Philadelphia, is situated on the Passaic River, 
and is the most populous and flourishing place in the State 
of New Jersey. The population at the present time is up¬ 
wards of 20,000. The city, which is elevated some forty 
feet above the river, is regularly laid out with broad and 
straight streets, many of which are bordered by lofty and 
elegant shade trees. It contains two large and handsome 
public squares. The city is well built, and presents a very 







196 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


fine appearance, many of the dwellings being large, and 
finished in a superior style. The court-house, in the north 
part of the city, is built of brown freestone, in the Egyptian 
style of architecture. Newark is well supplied with pure 
water brought from a copious spring more than a mile dis¬ 
tant. 

Newark contains numerous churches, some of which 
have great architectural beauty. It has also three banks, 
8 n apprentices’ library, a circulating library, with literary 
and scientific institutions, &c. This city is very extensively 
engaged in manufactures, a great part of which is sent to 
distant markets. In 1840 the capital invested in this spe¬ 
cies of industry, amounted to upwards of a million and a 
half of dollars. In two articles alone, that of carriages and 
leather, there was half a million of dollars invested, and 
employing many hundreds of workmen. The commerce of 
Newark is also considerable, there being owned here about 
70 vessels, of 100 tons each, besides several whale-ships. 
The Morris Canal runs through the city. 

The cars of the New Jersey Railroad, on the route be¬ 
tween New-York and Philadelphia, pass through Newark 
twice daily, in each direction. Cars, also, from Jersey City 
arrive and depart several times daily. Fare 25 cents. A 
steamboat also plies between Newark and New-York. 
Fare 25 cents. 

The Morris and Essex Railroad begins here and extends 
to Morristown, 22 miles from Newark, and 31 from Jersey 
City. The depot at Newark is in Broad-street. Usual 
fare $1.00. 

Passt ngersby the morning train from Newark to Morristown 
will arrive there at 10^ o’clock, where stages will be in read¬ 
iness to convey them to Schooley’s Mountain, Washington, 


ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO PHILADELPHIA. 197 

Belvidere and Easton, daily ; to Succasunny, Stanhope, New¬ 
ton, Milford, and Owego, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fri¬ 
days ; and to Rockaway, Dover, Sparta, and Newton, on 
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays ; each line returning on 
the following days to meet the P. M. trains for New-York. 

Schooley’s Mountain is eighteen miles from Morristown, 
and is a celebrated summer resort, owing to its elevated sit¬ 
uation, its pure and bracing atmosphere, and its mineral 
springs, the waters of which are used to great advantage in 
chronic diseases and general debility. They contain muri¬ 
ate of soda, muriate of magnesia, muriate of lime, carbonate 
of magnesia, sulphate of lime, silex, and carbonated oxyde 
of iron. The visitor to this healthful region will find the 
accommodations here in no way inferior to those at similar 
places elsewhere. Belmont Hall, and Marsh’s Health- 
House, are fine and extensive establishments. 

Elizabethtown, on the New Jersey Railroad, 5 miles 
from Newark, 14 from New-York, and 46 from Trenton, 
is situated on a creek, two and a half miles from its en¬ 
trance into Staten Island Sound. It is a beautiful town, 
regularly laid out with broad streets, and contains a court¬ 
house, and other public buildings, with saw-mills, oil-cloth 
factories, tanneries, &c. Population about 3000. The 
railroad from Elizabethport to Somerville passes through this 
place. It extends 26 miles to Somerville, which is 40 miles 
from New-York. Fare to Elizabethport by steamboat, 12^ 
cents, and to Somerville, 75 cents. From Elizabethport, two 
and a half miles distant, a steamboat plies daily to the city 
of New-York. 

It is in contemplation to continue this railroad from 
Somerville through to Easton, one of the most growing and 
enterprising towns in Pennsylvania. 


198 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


Rahway, situated on both sides of the Rahway River, 
contains about 2500 inhabitants, and several manufacturing 
establishments, which are on an extensive scale, and in daily 
operation. The manufactures consist of silk printing, car¬ 
riages and carriage furniture, hats, shoes, clocks, earthen¬ 
ware, and cotton goods. 

New Brunswick ,* 31 miles from New-York, 29 from 
Trenton, and 56 from Philadelphia, is situated at the head 
of steamboat navigation on the Raritan River, and fifteen 
miles from its entrance into Raritan Bay at Amboy, by the 
course of the river. This is also the seat of Rutgers Col¬ 
lege and school, which was founded in 1770. The streets 
on the river are narrow and crooked, and the ground low ; 
those on the upper bank are wide, and many of the dwell¬ 
ings are very neat and elegant, surrounded by fine gardens. 
From the site of Rutgers College on the hill, there is a wide 
prospect, terminated by mountains on the north, and by Rari¬ 
tan Bay on the east. The Delaware and Raritan Canal extends 
from New Brunswick to Bordentown on the Delaware River. 
It is 75 feet wide and seven deep, admitting the passage of 
sloops of 75 or 100 tons burthen ; is 42 miles in length, and 
has fourteen locks, and 117 feet of lockage ; the locks being 
110 feet long and 24 wide. The entire cost was about 
$2,500,000. 

Princeton , eleven miles from Trenton, is the seat of the 
New Jersey College, long celebrated as one of the oldest 
and most respectable colleges in the country. It was 
originally founded at Elizabethtown in 1746, removed to 
Newark in 1748, and in 1756 was permanently located here. 


* At New Brunswick passengers have an opportunity of obtaining 
slight refreshments, the cars stopping a few minutes only. 


ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO PHILADELPHIA. 199 


It has a library of about 12,000 volumes. The commencement 
is on the last Wednesday in September. The Theological 
Seminary of the Presbyterian church, founded in 1812, is 
also located here. Both institutions are in a flourishing con¬ 
dition. Princeton is a neat and pleasant village, built mostly 
on one extended street, and containing about 1500 inhabit¬ 
ants. In this vicinity was fought the memorable battle of 
Jan. 3d, 1777, between the American forces under General 
Washington, and those of the British, in which the former 
were victorious. 

Trenton, the capital of the State of New Jersey, is situ¬ 
ated on the east side of the Delaware River, at the head of 
steamboat and sloop navigation. It is 27 miles from Phila¬ 
delphia, and 60 from New-York. The population in 1810 
was 3003; in 1820,3942; in 1830, 3925, in 1840,4035. 
The city is regularly laid out, and has many fine stores and 
handsome dwellings. The State House, which is 100 feet 
long and 60 wide, is built of stone, and stuccoed, so as to 
resemble granite. Its situation, which is on the Delaware, 
is very beautiful, commanding a fine view of the river and vi¬ 
cinity. The Delaware is here crossed by a handsome cov¬ 
ered bridge 1100 feet in length, resting on five arches, 
supported on stone piers, and which is considered a fine spe¬ 
cimen of its kind. Its width is sufficient to allow two 
carriage-ways, one of which is used by the railroad. The 
Delaware and Raritan Canal, forming an inland navi¬ 
gation from New Brunswick, passes through Trenton to the 
Delaware at Bordentown. It is supplied by a navigable 
feeder, taken from the Delaware 23 miles north of Trenton. 
It was completed in 1834, at a cost of two and a half mil¬ 
lions of dollars. The New-York and Philadelphia trains 
pass through Trenton twice daily in each direction. A 


200 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


train also leaves the Kensington depot, Philadelphia, for 
Bristol and Trenton, every morning, (Sundays excepted,) re¬ 
turning in the afternoon. Fare to Trenton from Philadel¬ 
phia, 50 cents; to Bristol ,25 cents. 

On Christmas night, in 1776, and during the most gloomy 
period of the revolutionary war, General Washington crossed 
the Delaware with 5500 men, and commenced an attack 
upon Trenton, then in possession of the British. So sudden 
and unexpected was the assault, that of the 1500 German 
troops encamped there, 1000 were made prisoners. This 
successful enterprise revived the spirit of the nation, as it 
was the first victory gained over the German mercenaries. 
General Mercer, a brave American officer, was mortally 
wounded in the attack. 

Morrisville is a thriving village on the Delaware, directly 
opposite Trenton ; it has considerable water-power, which 
is derived from the river. The population is about 500. 

Bristol is a beautiful village, situated on the west bank of 
the Delaware, nearly opposite to Burlington, 18 miles north¬ 
east from Philadelphia, and occupies a commanding situa¬ 
tion ; it is regularly laid out and neatly built, and contains 
about 2000 inhabitants. The Delaware division of 
the Pennsylvania Canal, which communicates with the 
Lehigh Canal at Easton, terminates here, in a spacious 
basin which communicates with the Delaware River. This 
canal, in connection with the Lehigh Cannl, forms an unin¬ 
terrupted water communication with the anthracite coal re¬ 
gion of Northampton county, in Pennsylvania. Fare to Bris¬ 
tol by railroad from Philadelphia, 25 cents; by steamboat, 
which runs twice daily in each direction during the summer 
season, 12^ cents. 

Andalusia and Holmesburg are pleasant places, situated 


ROUTE FROM NEW-YORK TO PHILADELPHIA. 201 


a few miles northeast from Philadelphia, and are much re¬ 
sorted to by the citizens during the summer months. At the 
former place the late Nicholas Biddle Esq., had a splendid 
country residence, and a fine vineyard. 

Bridesburg, a beautiful village situated on the Delaware 
five miles from the city, and elevated about twenty-five feet 
above the river, is a neat and very attractive place. It has 
become the residence of many wealthy and retired citizens 
of Philadelphia. This is now the terminus of the Phila¬ 
delphia and Trenton Railroad. 

Port Richmond, a town of recent date, on the bank of 
the Delaware, and at the eastern termination of jhe Reading 
Railroad, is three miles distant from Philadelphia. It has 
become an important place, owing to its favorable situation 
for trade. Goal brought over the Reading Railroad, from 
‘ the productive anthracite coal region in Pennsylvania, is 
shipped here for other places.—We now arrive at Philadel¬ 
phia, for a description of which the traveller is referred to 
page 203. 


STEAMBOAT AND RAILROAD ROUTE BETWEEN 
NEW-YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 

This route from New-York to Philadelphia is performed 
by steamboat and railroad—the former leaving from the pier 
in the North River, near the Battery, every morning during 
the winter at seven o’clock, and the summer season at five 
o’clock, A. M. On board the boat tickets for the route are 
procured. Fare $3.00. The traveller is now conveyed 
across the beautiful harbor of New-York, and will, no doubt, 
have his attention attracted . by the enchanting scene before 
him. As the boat proceeds towards Staten Island, and 


202 RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 

shapes its way through the narrow straits between the island 
and the New Jersey shore, called the “ Kills,” many beautiful 
places will be presented to his view ; among others. New 
Brighton, a village of country-seats, erected by opulent citi¬ 
zens from the metropolis, arranged in all its attractions of 
fine architecture and eligible position, and commanding 
views of the city, islands, harbor, and adjacent shores. 

The Sailorsf Snug Harbor, a short distance beyond, an 
asylum for superannuated seamen, is the most imposing edi¬ 
fice on this shore. 

Staten Island, which we keep on our left as we proceed 
towards Amboy, abounds with beauties, and is no doubt 
destined to be, ere long, a favorite place of residence of the 
wealthy and retiring citizens of the metropolis. 

At South Amboy, situated at the mouth of the Raritan 
River, is the commencement of the Camden and Amboy 
Railroad. Here we are transported, in an incredible short 
space of time, from the steamboat to the railroad cars, and 
after a short detention, we proceed on our journey up the 
steep ascent from the river, which soon enters a line of deep 
cutting through the sandhills. It is then continued through 
a barren and uninteresting region of country, towards the 
Delaware River at Bordentown, thirty-six miles from Am¬ 
boy. Here are situated the extensive grounds and mansion 
formerly occupied by the late Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of 
Spain, which are among the most conspicuous objects of the 
place. 

Bordentown is situated on a steep sandbank, on the east 
side of the Delaware River. Although in a commanding 
situation, its view is in a great measure obstructed from the 
river. This is a favorite resort for the people of Philadel¬ 
phia during the summer season. The Delaware and Rari- 


PHILADELPHIA. 203 

tan Canal is here connected with the Delaware River. A 
branch railroad running alongside of the canal and river, 
connects Bordentown with Trenton. 

The further continuation of the route to Philadelphia is 
usually effected during the pleasant months of summer, on 
the opening of navigation, by steamboat conveyance down 
the river to the city, a distance of thirty miles. The rail¬ 
road route is, however, continued along the east bank of the 
river to Camden, which is frequently resorted to, and always 
during the winter, when the river is made fast with ice. 
From Camden passengers are conveyed across the Dela¬ 
ware in a commodious steamboat, and landed at the foot of 
Walnut-street in Philadelphia. 


PHILADELPHIA, 

the metropolis of Pennsylvania, and, after New-York, the 
largest city in the United States, is situated in lat. 39° 57' 
9" N., long. 75° 10' 37" W. from Greenwich, and 1° 50' 
47" W. long, from Washington. It is 87 miles S. W. from 
New-York, 322 S. W. from Boston, 97 S. E. from Balti¬ 
more, 108 from Harrisburg, and 135 from Washington. The 
population in 1800 was 70,287 ; in 1810, 96,287; in 1820, 
119,325 ; in 1830, 167,325, and in 1840, including the 
county, 258,691. 

The city is situated between the Delaware and Schuyl¬ 
kill Rivers, five miles above their junction, and is about 100 
miles from the ocean by the course of the former river. The 
city proper is that portion which is bounded by the Dela¬ 
ware on the east, the Schuylkill on the west, Vine-street on 
the north, and South-street or Cedar on the south. The 


204 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 



View of Fairmount Waterworks, Philadelphia. 


districts are the Northern Liberties, Kensington, and Spring 
Garden on the north; and Southwark, Moyamensing, and 
Passyunk on the south. These districts, which properly 
belong to Philadelphia, have municipal authorities of their 
own, entirely distinct from that of the city, and from each 
other. 

Philadelphia is built on a plain, slightly ascending from 
each river, the highest point of which is elevated sixty-four 
feet above high-water mark. It is laid out with much regu¬ 
larity ; the streets, which are broad and straight, with a few 
exceptions crossing each other at right angles, and varying 
in width from 50 to 120 feet. The dwellings, which are 
neat and clean-looking in their appearance, are built chiefly 



















PHILADELPHIA. 


205 


of brick, the style of architecture being plain rather than 
showy and ornamental. White marble is generally used 
for the door-steps, window-sills, the basement story, and not 
unfrequently for the entire front. 

A stranger on visiting this city would judge it to be one 
of the cleanest in the world, (which it certainly is,) from 
the great use made of the waters of the Schuylkill, which 
are visible in washing and scrubbing continually. The city 
is drained by common sewers, which are arched culverts of 
brick-work, constructed under most of the main streets. 
The densely built parts of the city and districts have an 
outline of about eight and a half miles : the length of the 
city on the Delaware is four and a half miles. 

Philadelphia has the advantage of a double port, connect¬ 
ed with very remote sections: that on the Schuylkill is ac¬ 
cessible to vessels of 300 tons, and is the great depot for the 
coal of the interior ;—the other, on the Delaware, admits 
the largest merchant vessels to the doors of the warehouses, 
and is spacious and secure. 

This city is celebrated for its fine markets, which are well 
supplied not only from its own State, but from the States 
adjacent, and particularly New Jersey. The “ Neck,” 
which is formed by the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and 
which lies south of the city, is divided off into farms and 
gardens, on which large quantities of vegetables and fruit 
are raised for the Philadelphia markets. 

Philadelphia has a large foreign and domestic trade ; the 
latter, however, predominates. The registered tonnage en¬ 
tered from foreign ports in 1843, was 63,369 ; and the regis¬ 
tered tonnage cleared for foreign ports for the same period 
was 58,894. The value of the imports was $4,916,535 ;— 
of the exports, $3,043,320. She is also distinguished for 

14 


206 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


her manufactures, which are various and extensive. In 
1840, the amount of capital invested in this branch of in¬ 
dustry was nearly $12,000,000. At the present time, how¬ 
ever, it is considerably more. 

Public Squares. —In the city are many public squares, 
which are ornamented with fine shade and flowering trees. 
The principal one is Washington Square, a little southwest of 
the State-House: it is finely ornamented with trees and 
gravelled walks, and surrounded by a handsome iron railing, 
with four principal entrances, and is kept in excellent 
order. Independence Square, situated in the rear of the 
State-House, is surrounded by a solid brick wall rising three 
or four feet above the adjacent streets, surmounted by an 
iron railing. The entire area is laid off in walks and grass- 
plots, and shaded with majestic trees. It was within this 
enclosure that the Declaration of American Independence 
was first promulgated ; and at the present day it is frequently 
used as a place of meeting for political and other purposes. 
Franklin Square, between Race and Vine, and Sixth and 
Franklin streets, is an attractive public promenade, with a 
splendid fountain in its centre, surrounded by a marble basin ; 
jt is embellished with a great variety of trees, grass-plots, 
&c. The other squares are —Penn Square, at the inter¬ 
section of Broad and Market streets, now divided into 
four parts by cutting Market and Broad streets through it; Lo¬ 
gan Square, between Race and Vine streets ; and Rittenhouse 
Square, between Walnut and Locust streets. 

Fairmount Water-Works. —The inhabitants of Phila¬ 
delphia are liberally supplied with water from the Fair- 
mount Water-Works, which were constructed at an expense 
of about $450,000; upwards of 100 miles of iron pipe 
convey it to all parts of the city and districts. These 


PHILADELPHIA. 


207 


water-works are situated on the east bank of the Schuyl¬ 
kill, about two miles in a northwest direction from the city, 
occupying an arpa of thirty acres, a large part of which 
consists of the “mount,” an eminence 100 feet above tide¬ 
water in the river below, and about 60 feet above the mogt 
elevated ground in the city. The top is divided into four 
reservoirs, capable of containing 22,000,000 gallons, one of 
which is divided into three sections for the purpose of filtra¬ 
tion. The whole is surrounded by a beautiful gravel-walk, 
from which may be had a fine view of the city. The reser¬ 
voirs contain an area of over six acres ; they are twelve feet 
deep, lined with stone and paved with brick, laid in a bed of 
clay, in strong lime cement, and made water-tight. The power 
necessary for forcing the water into the reservoirs is obtain¬ 
ed by throwing a dam across the Schuylkill ; and by means 
of wheels moved by the water, which work forcing-pumps 
the water of the river is raised to the reservoirs on the top of 
the “Mount.” The dam is 1600 feet long, and the race 
upwards of 400 feet long and 90 wide, cut in solid rock. 
The mill-house is of stone, 238 feet long, and 56 feet wide, 
and capable of containing eight wheels, and each pump will 
raise about a million and a quarter of gallons in 24 hours. 

The United States Navv Yard is located in Front-street 
below Prince, and contains within its limits about twelve 
acres. It is enclosed on three sides by a high and substan¬ 
tial brick wall; the east side fronts on and is open to the 
Delaware River. Its entrance is in Front-street. The 
Yard contains every preparation necessary for building ves¬ 
sels of war, and has marine barracks, with quarters for the 
officers. 

Public Buildings. —The State-House fronts on Chesnut- 
street, and including the wings, which are of modern con- 


208 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


struction, occupies the entire block, extending from Fifth to 
Sixth street. In a room in this building, on the 4th of July, 
1776, the memorable Declaration of Independence was 
adopted by Congress, and publicly proclaimed from the steps 
on the same day. The room presents now the same ap¬ 
pearance it did on that eventful day, in furniture and interior 
decorations. This chamber is situated on the first floor, at 
the eastern end of the original building, and can be seen by 
visitors on application to the person in charge of the State- 
House. In the hall of Independence is a statue of Wash¬ 
ington, carved in wood, said to be an excellent likeness, and 
also several fine paintings. The mayor’s court, and district 
and circuit courts of the United States, are held in this 
building. Visitors have free access to the cupola, from 
which there is an extensive view of the city and vicinity. 

The Girard College is situated on the Ridge Road, in a 
northwest direction from the city proper, about two and a 
half miles from the Exchange. It was founded by the late 
Stephen Girard, a native of France, who died in 1831, and 
bequeathed $2,000,000, for the purpose of erecting suitable 
buildings for the education of orphans. More than one half 
of this sum has already been expended upon the buildings, 
and a large amount will still be required for their completion. 
It occupies a commanding position, and the site on which it 
stands contains about forty-five acres of ground, bequeathed 
for the purpose by the founder of the institution. The col¬ 
lege, or centre building, which is to be devoted to the pur¬ 
poses of education, is one of the most superb buildings in 
the country ; its dimensions are 218 feet from north to 
south, 160 from east to west, and 97 in height. This build¬ 
ing, with its beautiful columns and gorgeous capitals, at 
once attracts the attention of the beholder. It is surrounded 


PHILADELPHIA. 


209 


by thirty-four columns of the Corinthian order, with beauti¬ 
ful capitals, supporting an entablature; each column, including 
capital and base, is 55 feet in height and 6 in diameter, 
having a base three feet high and nine in diameter,— 
leaving a space of fifteen feet between the columns and the 
body of the building. At each end is a doorway or en¬ 
trance, 32 feet high and 16 wide, decorated with massive 
architraves, surmounted by a sculptured cornice. Each of 
these doors opens into a vestibule, 26 feet wide and 48 long, 
the ceiling of which is supported by eight marble columns. 
Immediately above these vestibules, in the second story, are 
an equal number of lobbies, the ceilings of which are sup¬ 
ported by Corinthian columns. In each corner of the 
building are marble stairways, which are lighted from 
above. On each floor are four rooms, 50 feet square, 
and the third is lighted by a skylight, which does not rise 
above the roof. No wood is used in the construction of the 
building, except for the doors, so that it is fireproof. 

The remaining four buildings, situated two on either side 
of the main building, are each 52 feet by 120, and two sto¬ 
ries high, with commodious basements. The most eastern 
of these is so divided as to constitute four distinct houses for 
the professors. The other three are designed for the resi¬ 
dence of the pupils. 

The Merchants’ Exchange, situated between Dock, Wal¬ 
nut, and Third streets, is built of white marble : it was 
commenced in 1834, under the direction of Mr. Strickland, 
the architect. It is a beautiful structure, and of its kind, 
one of the finest in the country. 

The United States Mint is in Chesnut-street below 
Broad-street, and fronts on the former street 122 feet. It is 
built of white marble in the style of a Grecian Ionic temple. 


210 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


and comprises several distinct apartments. The process of 
coining is among the most interesting and attractive to 
those who have never witnessed such operations. Visitors 
are admitted during the morning of each day, until one 
o’clock, on application to the proper officers. 

The Arcade is in Chesnut, between Sixth and Seventh 
streets, and extends through to Carpenter-street, 150 feet, 
fronting 100 feet on Chesnut-street. On the ground-floor 
are two avenues, extending the entire depth of the building, 
with rows of stores fronting on each. The second floor, 
which is reached by flights of marble steps at each end, is 
divided into stores similar to those on the ground-floor. The 
third story was originally prepared for Peale’s Museum, 
which, however, was removed in 1839 to its new and beau¬ 
tiful hall in Ninth-street. Having been again removed, it 
is now kept in the Masonic Hall, in Chesnut-street. 

The Custom-House, formerly the United States Bank, is 
located in Chesnut-street, between Fourth and Fifth streets. 
It is a chaste specimen of the Doric architecture, after the 
Parthenon at Athens, with the omission of the colonnades 
at the sides. It was commenced in 1819, and occupied 
about five years in its construction, and cost half a million 
of dollars. 

Banks, &c. —There are about fifteen banks, seven savings 
institutions and loan companies, and numerous insurance 
companies, in Philadelphia. Some of the banks occupy 
splendid and costly buildings. The Pennsylvania Bank, 
in Second below Chesnut-street, is built of white mar¬ 
ble, and has an enclosure ornamented with plants and 
shrubbery, and surrounded by an iron railing. The Girard 
Bank —formerly the old United States Bank, purchased by 
the late Stephen Girard, and used by him for a banking 


PHILADELPHIA. 


211 


house—has a marble ’front, with the sides and rear of the 
building of brick, and is enriched by a portico of six Corin¬ 
thian columns. The Philadelphia Bank, corner of Chesnut 
and Fourth streets, is a beautiful structure and nearly new. 
The Bank of North America, originally chartered by Congress 
in 1781, was the first institution of its kind organized in the 
United States. It is located in Chesnut, above Third street. 
Many of the other banking houses are handsome buildings, 
but generally of a plain style of architecture. 

Churches. —The places of religious worship in Philadel¬ 
phia are numerous, and the style of their construction various ; 
few only, however, have any pretensions to great architectural 
beauty. St. Stephen's Church (Episcopal), in Tenth-street, 
between Market and Chesnut, is a fine specimen of Gothic 
architecture. It is 102 feet long and 50 wide, and on its 
front corners has two octagonal towers 86 feet high. The 
upper parts of the windows are embellished with cherubim, 
in white glass on a blue ground, and the sashes are filled 
with diamond-shaped glass of various colors, ornamented in 
the same manner. Christ Church, in Second-street, was built 
in 1691, and enlarged in 1810. It is the oldest church in 
the city : its spire, which is 196 feet in height, was com¬ 
menced in 1753, and completed the following year, by means 
of a lottery, a mode of raising money not uncommon in 
those days. This church has a chime of bells. St. John’s 
Church (Catholic), situated in Thirteenth-street, between 
Chestnut and Market streets, is an elegant Gothic structure, 
with square towers on each of its front corners. The win¬ 
dows are of stained glass, and the interior is decorated 
with several handsome paintings. The First Presbyte¬ 
rian Church, fronting on Washington Square, is, perhaps, 
the most elegant church of this denomination in the city. 


212 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


There are numerous other churches in Philadelphia, of all 
persuasions ; the limits of this work, however, will not permit 
of a detailed description. 

Benevolent Institutions. —The county Alms-House, sit¬ 
uated on the west side of the Schuylkill, opposite South- 
street, is a place for the reception of the poor of the city 
and county of Philadelphia. It is an immense structure, 
consisting of four main buildings, covering and enclosing 
about ten acres of ground, and fronting on the Schuylkill 
River. The site is much elevated above the bank of the ri¬ 
ver, and commands a fine view of the city and surrounding 
country. Visitors are admitted to this excellent institution, 
which on inspection cannot fail to excite much satisfaction. 

Pennsylvania Hospital, in Pine-street, between Eighth and 
Ninth streets, is an admirable institution. It contains an 
anatomical museum, and a library of more than 8000 volumes. 
In the rear of the lot fronting on Spruce-street is a small 
building which contains West’s celebrated picture of Christ 
Healing the Sick, presented to this institution by its author, 
f * The United States Marine Hospital or Naval Asylum 
has a handsome situation on the east bank of the Schuylkill 
below South-street. It is for the use of invalid seamen, and 
officers disabled in the service. 

« The Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb 
is situated on the corner of Broad and Pine streets, having 
extensive buildings adapted to the purposes of the establish¬ 
ment. 

The Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the 
Blind is situated in Race-street near Schuylkill Third-street. 
The pupils of this institution are instructed in reading, wri¬ 
ting, arithmetic, geography, and music ; and are also taught 
to manufacture a great variety of useful and ornamental 
articles. 


PHILADELPHIA. 


213 


There are in Philadelphia numerous other societies for the 
relief of the distressed. 

Literary and Scientific Institutions. —The American 
Philosophical Society was founded in 1743, principally 
through the exertions of Dr. Franklin ; its hall is situated in 
South Fifth-street, below Chesnut, and in the rear of the 
State-House. In addition to its library of 15,000 volumes 
of valuable works, the Society has a fine collection of mine¬ 
rals and fossils, ancient relics, and other interesting objects. 
Strangers are admitted to the hall on application to the li¬ 
brarian. 

The Philadelphia Library is situated in Fifth-street, below 
Chesnut, on the north corner of Library-street. This library, 
which was founded in 1731 by the influence of Dr. Franklin, 
contains upward of 30,000 volumes, embracing works on al¬ 
most every branch of general knowledge. Citizens and 
strangers have free access to the library, and for their ac¬ 
commodation tables and seats are provided. To this has 
been added the Loganian library (which formerly belonged 
to the late Dr. Logan), containing 11,000 volumes of rare 
and valuable books, mostly classical. 

The Atheneum, in Fifth below Chesnut street, contains 
the periodical journals of the day, and a library consisting of 
several thousand volumes. The rooms are open every day 
and evening (Sundays excepted) throughout the year. Stran¬ 
gers are admitted gratuitously for one month, on introduction 
by a member. 

The Franklin Institute was incorporated in 1824 ; it is 
situated in Seventh-street, below Market. Its members, 
about 3000 in number, consist of manufacturers, artists, and 
mechanics, and persons friendly to the mechanic arts. The 
annual exhibitions of this institute never fail to attract a 


214 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


large number of visitors. It has a library of about 3,000 vol¬ 
umes, and an extensive reading-room, where most of the pe¬ 
riodicals of the day may be found. Strangers are admitted 
to the rooms on application to the actuary. 

The Academy of Natural Sciences, incorporated in 1817, 
has a well-selected library of about 9000 volumes, besides 
an extensive collection of objects in natural history. Its 
splendid hall is in Broad-street, between Chesnut and Walnut. 
It is open to visitors every Saturday afternoon. 

The Mercantile Library, which is situated in Chesnut- 
street, between Fourth and Fifth, was founded in 1822, for 
the purpose of diffusing mercantile knowledge. It consis 
of about 8000 volumes, chiefly on commercial subjects, and 
pursuits connected with commerce. 

The Apprentices’ Library consists of about 14,000 volumes, 
and is open to the youth of both sexes. 

The Historical Society, in Fifth-street,'below Chesnut, was 
founded for the purpose of diffusing a knowledge of local his¬ 
tory, especially in relation to the State of Pennsylvania. It 
has caused to be published a large amount of information on 
subjects connected with the early history of the State, and is 
now actively engaged in similar pursuits. 

The Friends’ Library, on the corner of Fourth and Arch 
streets, has about 3000 volumes, the books of which are 
loaned free of charge to persons who come suitably recom¬ 
mended. 

There are several excellent libraries inj the Districts of 
Philadelphia, which are conducted on the most liberal princi¬ 
ple. 

Medical Institutions. —The University, which is an admi¬ 
rable institution, is situated on the west side of Ninth-street, 
between Market and Chesnut. It was founded in 1791, by 


PHILADELPHIA. 


215 


the union of the old University and College of Philadelphia. 
The buildings consist of two handsome structures, 85 feet front 
by 112 deep, surrounded by open grounds, tastefully laid out 
in gravel-walks, &c., which are separated from the street by 
an iron railing. The average number of students who attend 
annually the medical lectures in this institution, is about 400. 

Jefferson Medical College is situated in Tenth-street be¬ 
low Chesnut; it was originally connected with the college 
at Canonsburg, but is now an independent institution. The 
number of pupils averages about 300 annually. The ana¬ 
tomical museum of this institution is open to visitors. 

Pennsylvania College, in Filbert-street above Twelfth, is 
a flourishing institution of recent origin ; the first lectures 
having been delivered in the winter of 1839-40. 

The College of Physicians is an old institution, having 
existed before the Revolution. It is one of the principal 
sources from which proceeds the Pharmacopoeia of the United 
States. 

The Medical Institute, in Locust-street above Eleventh, 
is where the elementary branches of medical science in all 
their relations are taught. 

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, in Zane-street, 
above Seventh, was the first regularly organized institution 
of its kind in the country. Its objects are to impart appro¬ 
priate instruction, to examine drugs, and to cultivate a taste 
for the sciences. 

Prisons. —The Eastern Penitentiary, in the northwest 
part of the city, is situated on Coates-street, west of Broad, 
and south of Girard College. It covers about ten acres of 
ground, is surrounded by a wall thirty feet high, and 
in architecture resembles a baronial castle of the middle 
ages. It is constructed on the principle of strictly solitary 


216 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


confinement in separate cells, and is admirably calculated 
for the security and the health, and, so far as consistent, 
the comfort of its occupants. 

The County Prison is situated on Passyunk road, below 
Federal-street ; it is a spacious Gothic building, presenting 
an imposing appearance. It is appropriated to the confine¬ 
ment of persons awaiting trial, or those who are sentenced 
for short periods. The Debtors' Prison, adjoining the above 
on the north, is constructed of red sandstone, in a style of 
massive Egyptian architecture. 

The House of Refuge, at the corner of Coates-street and 
Ridge Road, near the Penitentiary, was founded by the be¬ 
nevolence of citizens of Philadelphia, and is devoted to the 
confinement of vicious and abandoned juvenile offenders 
of both sexes. 

The House of Correction is at Bush Hill, and is used for 
the confinement of disorderly persons, and such as are 
charged with minor offences. 

Cemeteries. —The beautiful cemetery of Laurel Hill, is 
situated on the Ridge Road, three and a half miles north¬ 
west of the city, and on the east bank of the Schuylkill, 
which is elevated about ninety feet above the river. It con¬ 
tains about twenty acres, the surface of which is undulating, 
prettily diversified by hill and dale, and adorned with 
a number of beautiful trees. The irregularity of the ground, 
together with the foliage, shrubs, and fragrant flowers, which 
here abound—the finely sculptured and appropriate monu¬ 
ments—with an extensive and diversified view—make the 
whole scene grand and impressive in a high degree. On 
entering the gate, the first object that presents itself to the 
gaze of the visitor, is a splendid piece of statuary of “ Old 
Mortality,” executed in sandstone by the celebrated Thom. 


PHILADELPHIA. 


217 


The chapel, which is situated on high ground to the right of 
the entrance, is a beautiful Gothic building, illuminated by 
an immense window of stained glass. Visitors are admitted 
within the cemetery by making application at the entrance ; 
those with carriages, wishing to enter the enclosure, must 
show a ticket from one of the managers. The cars of the 
Norristown Railroad will convey visitors to the cemetery 
and back twice daily, from their depot at the corner of 
Ninth and Green streets. Fare, 12£ cents. 

Monument Cemetery is situated on Broad-street, in the vi¬ 
cinity of Turner’s Lane, in the north part of Philadelphia, 
and about three miles from the State-House. It was opened 
in 1838, and now contains many handsome tombs. 

Ronaldson’s Cemetery, in Shippen-street, between Ninth 
and Tenth, is very beautiful : it occupies an entire square, 
and is surrounded by an iron railing. It formerly belonged 
to Mr. James Ronaldson, from whom it takes its name, who 
divided it off into lots, and disposed of it for its present pur¬ 
poses. It contains a large number of beautiful tombs, and 
is adorned with a great variety of flowers and foliage, whose 
fragrance and beauty make this an attractive, although a 
mournful spot. 

Places of Amusement. — Walnut-street Theatre, on the 
corner of Walnut and Ninth streets. Arch-street Theatre, 
in Arch-street, above Sixth. Peale's Museum, and Gallery 
of Fine Arts, at the Masonic Hall, in Chesnut-street above 
Seventh. Admission 25 cents. Academy of Fine - Arts, 
north side of Chesnut, between Tenth and Eleventh streets. 
Open daily, admission 25 cents. West's Picture of Christ 
Healing the Sick, in Spruce-street, between Eighth and 
Ninth streets. Admission 25 cents. Musical Fund Hall, in 
Locust-street, between Eighth and Ninth streets—for Con- 


218 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


certs. Diorama,, in Sansom-street, above Eighth. Admis¬ 
sion 25 cents. 

Places worth visiting. — Fairmount; Laurel Hill Ce¬ 
metery ; Girard College ; Navy Yard; the Mint, and State 
House, both of which are in Chesnut-street; State Peniten¬ 
tiary; Alms-House, on the west bank of the Schuylkill; and 
the various Market Houses, all of which are described under 
their respective heads. 

Principal Hotels. — Washington House, in Chesnut street 
between Seventh and Eighth streets. Jones's Hotel, Chesnut- 
street between Sixth and Seventh streets. Columbia House, 
Chesnut-street below Seventh. United States Hotel, Ches¬ 
nut-street between Fourth and Fifth. Merchants' Hotel, 
North Fourth-street, near Arch-street. Congress Hall, 85 
Chesnut, and 37 South Third-street. Madison House, 39 
North Second-street, above Market-street. Franklin House, 
Chesnut-street above Second-street. Morris House, Tem¬ 
perance Hotel, 188 Chesnut-street. Mansion House, Third- 
street near Spruce. Fed Lion Hotel, 200 Market-street. 
White Swan Hotel, 106 Race-street, above Third. Indian 
Queen, in Fourth, above Chesnut-street. 

Rates of Fare, as fixed by City Ordinance. — Hack¬ 
ney Coaches. —For conveying one passenger from any place 
east of Broad-street, to any other place east of Broad-street, 
within the city limits, 25 cents. For conveying one pas¬ 
senger from any place west of Broad-street, to any other 
place west of Broad-street, within the city limits, 25 cents. 
Each additional passenger, 25 cents. Not more than four 
passengers to be charged for any one carriage. For convey¬ 
ing one passenger from any place east of Broad-street to 
any place west of Broad-street, or from any place west of 
said street to any place east of the same, within the city 


PHILADELPHIA. 


219 


limits, 50 cents. If more than one passenger, then for each 
passenger 25 cents. For conveying one or more passen¬ 
gers in any other direction, within the limits of the pavement, 
for each passenger, per mile, 25 cents. For conveying one 
or more passengers, when a carriage is employed by the 
hour, one dollar per hour. 

Baggage .—For each trunk or other baggage placed in¬ 
side, at the owner’s request, and which would exclude a pas¬ 
senger, for each passenger that might be excluded thereby, 
25 cents. For each trunk, &c., placed outside, 12^ cents. 
Baggage placed outside not to pay more, in the whole, than 
25 cents. Penalty, for exceeding the above charges, $5. 

Cabs .—For conveying one passenger from any place east 
of the centre of Broad-street, to any other place cast of 
the centre of Broad-street ; or from any place west of the 
centre of Broad-street, to any other place west of the centre 
of Broad-street, within the city limits, 25 cents. Each ad¬ 
ditional passenger, 12^ cents. For conveying one passenger 
from any place east of the centre of Broad-street, to any 
other place west of the centre of Broad-street; or from any 
place west of the centre of Broad-street, to any other place 
east of the centre of Broad-street, within the city limits, 37^ 
cents. Each additional passenger, 12^ cents. For the use 
of a cab by the hour, within the city limits, with one or more 
passengers, with the privilege of going from place to place, 
and stopping as often as may be required, for each and every 
hour 50 cents. Whenever a cab shall be detained, except 
as in the foregoing section, the owner or driver shall be al¬ 
lowed per hour 50 cents. And so, in proportion, for any 
part of an hour, exceeding fifteen minutes. For conveying 
one or two persons, with reasonable baggage, to or from any 
of the steamboats or railroads, (except the Trenton and 


220 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


New-York railroads,) 50 cents. More than two persons, 
each 25 cents. For exceeding the above charges, or for re¬ 
fusing or neglecting, when unemployed, to convey any per¬ 
sons or their baggage to any place within the limits pre¬ 
scribed by the ordinance, upon being applied to for that pur¬ 
pose, $5. 

Omnibuses leave the Exchange every few minutes for the 
various parts of the city, Fairmount, Girard College, &c. 
Fare 6£ cents. 

Places in the Vicinity of Philadelphia, &c.— Camden, 
a city and port of entry of Gloucester county, N. J., is situ¬ 
ated on the east bank of the Delaware River, opposite to 
Philadelphia. It was incorporated as a city in 1831. Much 
of the soil in the vicinity is employed in raising fruits and 
vegetables, which always find a ready market in the neigh¬ 
boring city opposite. The population is about 3500. Nu¬ 
merous steam ferryboats keep up a constant communication 
between Philadelphia and Camden. Fare 5 cents. 

A railroad extends from this place to Woodbury, the 
county town of Gloucester, nine miles. It contains a popu¬ 
lation of about 1000, a court-house, jail, churches, schools, 
libraries, and many other institutions for the promotion of 
knowledge, and the moral improvement of the people. 

Kaighn’s Point, a short distance below Camden, Green¬ 
wich Point, three miles below the city, and Gloucester Point, 
directly opposite, are favorite places of resort during the 
summer season. Steamboats run many times daily from 
Philadelphia. Fare to the former place, 5 cents,—to the 
latter, 6 Scents. 

Germantown, six miles north of Philadelphia, consists of 
one street only, compactly built, and extending for about 
four miles, in a direction from southeast to northwest. A 


PHILADELPHIA. 


221 


railroad and numerous stages afford a constant communica¬ 
tion between this place and the city, of which it is a suburb. 
Cars leave the depot in Philadelphia, corner of Ninth and 
Green streets, four times daily. Fare 15 cents. 

Wissahickon Creek , a stream remarkable for its romantic 
and beautiful scenery, falls into the Schuylkill about six 
miles above the city. It has a regular succession of cas¬ 
cades, which in the aggregate amount to about 700 feet. Its 
banks, for the most part, are elevated and precipitous, cover¬ 
ed with a dense forest, and diversified by moss-covered 
rocks of every variety. The banks of the beautiful Wissa¬ 
hickon afford one of the most delightful rides in the vicinity 
of Philadelphia, and are a great resort for the citizens, pic¬ 
nic parties, and Sunday Schools. 

The Falls of the Schuylkill are about four miles above 
the city, on the river of that name. Since the erection of 
the dam at Fairmount, the falls have almost disappeared. 
From the city to the falls, however, is a very pleasant drive ; 
and they might be reached in a return visit to the Wissa¬ 
hickon. 

Fairmount Water Works, see page 206 ; Girard College, 
page, 208 ; Laurel Hill Cemetery, page 216. 

The Schuylkill Viaduct, three miles northwest from the 
city, is 980 feet in length, and crossed by the Columbia rail¬ 
road. It leads to the foot of an inclined plane, 2800 feet 
long, with an ascent of 187 feet. The plane is ascended by 
means of a stationary engine at the top, which conveys the 
cars from one end of the plane to the other. It is a pleasant 
and cheap excursion. 

JSlanyunk, eight miles from the city, has become a large 
manufacturing place. It is indebted for its existence to the 
water created by the improvement of the Schuylkill, which 

15 


222 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


serves the double purpose of rendering the stream navigable, 
and of supplying hydraulic power to the numerous factories 
of the village. 

Cape May, an attractive watering-place, and now much 
frequented by the citizens of Philadelphia, and by others, 
is situated at the mouth of Delaware Bay, the extreme south- 
end portion of New Jersey. The accommodations here are 
of the first order, and the beach is unsurpassed as a bathing 
place. During the summer season a steamboat leaves Phila¬ 
delphia for Cape May three times a week. Fare $3.00— 
distance 102 miles. 

Brandywine Springs. —Visitors to this celebrated water¬ 
ing-place, take the cars in Philadelphia, which leave the 
depot, corner of Eleventh and Market streets, twice daily, 
for Wilmington, where carriages are in waiting to convey 
them to the Springs. Fare through $1.00. 

From Philadelphia to Harrisburg. —Cars leave the 
depot, 274 Market-street, twice daily for Harrisburg and 
intermediate places. ~To Paoli, 21 miles, fare 75 cents; 
Lancaster, 70 miles, $2.50 ; Columbia, 82 miles, $2.87J ; 
to Harrisburg, 108 miles, $4.00 ; to West Chester, by the 
West Chester branch, 28 miles, $1.00. From Harrisburg 
the Cumberland Valley Railroad extends to Chambersburg, 
56 miles. 

From Philadelphia to Pittsburg, via Harrisburg. —To 
Harrisburg, 108 miles, fare $4 00 ; thence by Canal to 
Mifflin, 152 miles, $6.25 ; to Lewistown, 164 miles, $6.50 ; 
to Huntingdon, 193 miles, $7.50 ; to Hollidaysburg , 218 
miles, $8-00 ; to Johnstown by railroad, 37 miles ; thence 
to Pittsburg by canal, 94 miles total distance, 349 miles ; 
fare $10.00. 

From Philadelphia to Pottsville, via READiNG.—Cars 


PHILADELPHIA. 


223 


leave Philadelphia from the corner of Broad and Cherry 
streets, at 9 o’clock daily (Sundays excepted). To Norris¬ 
town, 17 miles, fare 40 cents ; Reading, 58 miles, $2 25 ; 
Pottsville, 94 miles, $3.50. Usual time about five hours. 

From Philadelphia to Baltimore. —There are two modes 
of conveyance from Philadelphia to Baltimore,—one is by 
the railroad line, which leaves Philadelphia three times 
daily, morning, afternoon, and night, from their depot in 
Market-street, below Eleventh-street. The distance by this 
route is 97 miles. Fare $3.00 usual time six hours. 
The other route is by steamboat and railroad. A steamboat 
leaves Philadelphia in the afternoon of each day, from the foot 
of Dock-street, and passes down the Delaware to New Castle ; 
here travellers take the cars on the New Castle and French- 
town Railroad for the latter place, where the steamboat is 
again resorted to down the Chesapeake Bay and up the Pa- 
tapsco River to Baltimore. Distance through, by this route, 
117 miles. Fare $3.00 ;— usual time seven hours. 

From Baltimore to Washington. —Cars leave Baltimore 
from the depot in Pratt-street, three times daily. Distance 
40 miles. Fare 1.60 ;— usual time two hours. 

From Baltimore to Charleston. — Spring, Summer, and 
Fall Arrangement of the great Southern Mail line. —This 
line carries the Great Southern Mail, and arrives twenty-four 
hours in advance of the Bay Line, leaving Baltimore on the 
same day. 

Through-Ticket from Baltimore to Charleston . $21.00 

Do do do Weldon . 10 00 

Do do do Petersburg . . 7.50 

Do do do Richmond . . 7.00 

Fast Mail Line. —Leave New-York at 4£ P. M., and ar¬ 
rive in Philadelphia at 9 P. M. Leave Philadelpia at 10 


224 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


P. M., and arrive in Baltimore at 5^, A. M. Leave Balti¬ 
more at 6£ A. M., and arrive in Washington at 8^ A. M. 
Leave Washington at 9 A. M., and arrive in Fredericksburg 
at 1^ P. M. Leave Fredericksburg at 1^ P. M., and arrive in 
Richmond, Va., at 5 P. M. Leave Richmond at 6 P. M., 
and arrive in Petersburg, Va.,at 7J P. M. Leave Petersburg 
at 9 P. M., and arrive in Weldon, N. C., at 2 A. M. Leave 
Weldon at 2 A. M., and arrive in Wilmingron, N. C., at 3 
P. M. Leave Wilmington at 3^ P. M., and arrive in 
Charleston S. C., at 7$ P. M. 

Passengers arriving in Baltimore by Morning Line from 
Philadelphia, had better remain in that city until o’clock 
the next morning; or they can go on to Washington at 5 
P. M., and remain there until 9 A. M. the next day. By 
this course they arrive at the end of their journey as soon, 
if not sooner, than by the other course, and have the advan¬ 
tage of avoiding a disagreeable night on the Bay. Passen¬ 
gers going to Washington by the train of 5 P. M., are 
taken, if they desire it, by the Company’s omnibus, at once, 
without charge, from the Washington Depot to the Potomac 
Steamboat, where they lodge free of charge, and lay over (if 
they desire to do so) with their through-tickets, for a few 
days, at the following places, viz. Washington, Richmond, 
Petersburg, and Weldon. For further information and 
“ through-tickets” apply at the Southern Ticket-Office, ad¬ 
joining the Washington Railroad Ticket-Office, Pratt-street, 
Baltimore. 

From Charleston to New Orleans. —From Charleston 
passengers proceed to Augusta, Ga., by railroad, 136 miles ; 
from thence to Atlanta, 175 ; from Atlanta to Notasulga, 
by stage, 124 miles ; by railroad from Notasulga to Mont¬ 
gomery, 50 miles ; from Lagrange to Columbus, Geo., 46 


BALTIMORE. 


225 


miles ; from Montgomery to Mobile, by steamboat and stage, 
200 miles; from Mobile to New Orleans, by steamboat, 178 
miles. Total distance from Baltimore to New Orleans, by 
the most direct route, 1460 miles ; usual time from six to 
seven daysfare from Baltimore to New Orleans, $62.00. 

From Baltimore to Cumberland and Pittsburg. —Trains 
leave Baltimore, by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, from 
the depot in Pratt-street, daily, at quarter past 7 o’clock, 
A. M. for Cumberland on the Potomac River, arriving there 
at 5 P. M. Distance 178 miles.— Fare about $6.50— 
usual time nine hours. From Cumberland, stages leave at 
6 o’clock P. M. by the National Road, arriving in Pitts¬ 
burg, or Wheeling, next evening. Passengers going direct 
to Pittsburg, will take the steamboat at Brownsville on the 
Monongahela River, thereby having only seventy-four miles 
of staging on the whole route. From Cumberland to Pitts¬ 
burg is 114 miles, and from Baltimore to Pittsburg 292 miles. 
Usual time through, about thirty-two hours —Fare $9.00 . 
to Wheeling, on the Ohio river, $1.00 more. 

Steamboats leave Pittsburg and Wheeling hourly, and 
passengers are forwarded without delay to Cincinnati, and 
all other ports in the south and west. Fare to Cincinnati 
$3.00. 

From Baltimore to Columbia, Pa., by Railroad. —From 
Baltimore to York, 58 miles ; to Columbia 14 miles. Total 
distance 72 miles. Fare about $2.00 ; usual time five hours. 
Passengers can go from Columbia to Philadelphia by railroad, 
82 miles. 

From Baltimore to the Virginia Springs. —Passengers 
leave Baltimore by the railroad to Washington, thence by 
the Potomac Steamboat, (passing in view of Mount Vernon) 
to Acquia Creek, and afterwards by the Richmond and Fred- 


226 


RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT COMPANION. 


ericksburg and Louisa Railroad to Gordonsville; whence 
they are conveyed by four-horse post-coaches to Charlottes¬ 
ville, Staunton, the Warren Springs, White Sulphur Springs, 
&c., passing insight of Monticello and the celebrated Uni¬ 
versity of Virginia, and avoiding night travelling. Passengers 
by this route reach the Warm Springs to breakfast, the second 
day after leaving Washington, and the White Sulphur on the 
afternoon of the same day. The White Sulphur Springs are 
380 miles from Baltimore. 


APPENDIX. 


SAILING- OF STEAMSHIPS. 

British and North American Royal Mail Steam¬ 
ships —These vessels sail between Boston, U. S.,and Liver¬ 
pool, Eng., alternately, leaving the former place on the 1st 
and 16th of each month, and the latter place on the 4th and 
19th of each month. They are as follows :— 

The Hibernia, 1200 tons, Capt. Ryne ; Caledonia, 1200 
tons, Capt. Lott; Britannia, 1200 tons ; Capt. Hewitt; Cam¬ 
bria, 1400 tons, Capt Judkins ; Arcade, Capt. Harrison. 

Price of Passage from Boston to Liverpool, $120.00 ; 
from Boston to Halifax, $20.00. 

No berths can be secured until paid for. Passengers’ 
baggage must be on board the day previous to sailing. 

In addition to the above line between Liverpool, and 
Halifax, and Boston, a contract has been entered into with 
Her Majesty’s government, to establish a line between Liver¬ 
pool and New-York direct. The steamships for this service 
are now being built, and early next year due notice will be 
given of the time when they will start. Under the new 
contract the steamers will sail every Saturday during eight 
months, and every fortnight during the other months in the 
year, going alternately between Liverpool and Halifax and 
Boston, and between Liverpool and New-York. 

Steamships between New-York and Europe. —The 
French Transatlantic Steamships, running between New- 
York and Havre, are equal to any afloat, and are command¬ 
ed by experienced and gentlemanly officers. There are four 
vessels of this line, the Philadelphia, Missouri, New- York, 



228 


APPENDIX. 


and Union, which sail from the port of New-York on the 1st 
and 15th of each month. 

Price of Passage from New-York to Havre, $ 120.00 ; 
and from Havre to New- York, 1000 francs. 

All letters must pass through the post-office. 

American Steam Navigation Company. —The steamship 
Washington, at present the only vessel of this line ready,; 
sails between New-York and Europe as often as convenient. 
Other steamships now building will soon be placed on the 
line. 

Price of Passage .—In first cabin, from New-York, 
$120.00 ; second cabin, $60.00. 

The Sarah Sands, steamship, sails from New-York for 
Liverpool, on the 4th of each alternate month. Price of 
Passage, $100.00. 

The steamships Southerner and Northerner, sail alter¬ 
nately from New-York for Charleston, S. C., every Satur¬ 
day afternoon, at 4 o’clock, from Peck Slip wharf, and from 
Adger’s wharf, Charleston, every Saturday at 2 o’clock. 
Usual time about 60 hours. Passage $25, and found. 
Agents in New-York, Spofford, Tileston & Co., 48 South-st. 


PACKETS. 

New-York and Liverpool Packets. —These vessels leave- 
each port on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st and 26th of each 
month. Price of Passage to Liverpool, $100 ; from Liver¬ 
pool to New-York, £25. 

New-York and London Packets. —These sail from each 
port on the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 24th of every month. Price 
of Passage from New-York to London, $100 ; from London 
to New-York, £25. 

Havre Packets. —These leave each port on the 1st, 8th, 
16th, and 24th of each month. Price of Passage from New- 
York to Havre, $100 ; and from Havre, 560 francs. 


POSTAGE TO EUROPE. 


229 


Packets sail from New-York to New Orleans twice a 
Week ; to Mobile, weekly ; to Charleston, weekly ; to Savan¬ 
nah, weekly ; to Texas, twice each month. 


NEWSPAPER AND LETTER POSTAGE TO EUROPE BY THE 
STEAM AND PACKET SHIPS. 

For the following we are indebted to the New-York Herald. 

American Line—Steamship Washington. —For each letter 
and package not exceeding £ ounce, 24 cents; over § and 
not exceeding 1 ounce, 48 cts. ; for every additional £ ounce or 
fraction, 15 cts.; on each newspaper, pamphlet or price cur¬ 
rent, 3 cts. 

Mail matter to Bremen,either for delivery or distribution, 
may be sent either with or without the postage being prevL 
ously paid. 

British Line—Steamship Sarah Sands. —For each letter 
weighing £ ounce or less, 25 cents ; every additional £ ounce, 
25 cts. 

French Line—Steamships Union, Philadelphia, New- 
York, and Missouri, fyc.—[It must be borne in mind that the 
rates by the French line, refer to letters weighing only one 
quarter of an ounce.] Postage at the New-York post-office, 
1 cent; postage to cross the Atlantic, 20 cts.; postage from 
Havre to Paris, 10 cts. 

Postage of a letter from New- York to England, via Ha¬ 
vre. —Postage at the New-York post-office, l cent; postage 
to cross the Atlantic, 20 cts.; postage from Havre to English 
shore, 2 cts. ; English taxation from the shore to the letter’s 
destination, 10 cts. 

Packet Ships for Liverpool, London, and Havre. —On 
each letter weighing ^ ounce, 12^ cents ; newspapers, 2 cts. 

Those at a distance from New-York wishing to send 
letters by the packet ships, have merely to post-pay them to 
New-York, and they will go to their destination. 

Letters destined for the Old World, and intended to be 
transmitted thence by the Cunard steamships plying between 
Boston and Liverpool, must be pre-paid through the United 
States. The British postage will be charged the persons to 
whom they are directed. 


230 


APPENDIX. 


MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH LINES IN OPERATION. 


Between Boston and Portland, via the route of the 
Boston and Maine Railroad 
" Boston and Lowell .... 

“ New-York and Boston, via New Haven, Han¬ 
ford, Springfield, and Worcester 
“ New-York, Albany, and Troy 
“ Albany and Buffalo .... 

“ Troy and Saratoga . 

*•' Syracuse and Oswego .... 

“ Auburn, Ithaca, and Elmira .... 
“ Buffalo, Lockport, and Lewiston 
“ Queenston and Toronto .... 
“ New-York and Offing, over Long Island to Fire 
Island 

“ New-York aud Philadelphia 
“ Philadelphia and Pittsburg, via Lancaster and 
Harrisburg 

“ Philadelphia and Pottsville 
“ Philadelphia and Baltimore 
“ Baltimore and Washington 
“ Baltimore and Cincinnati .... 
“ Washington and Richmond, Va. 


Miles. 

109 

26 

238 

160 

325 

32 

38 

74 

46 

45 

88 

87 

336 

94 

97 

40 

128 


Mail and Telegraph.— The Magnetic Telegraph Line is 
now completed from Washington to Richmond, Va., and a 
station opened at the latter place. 

The Soul hern Mail arrives at Richmond at about 7 o’clock 
in the morning, and the Northern Mail at 6J P. M. The 
latter is the mail which leaves New-York at 4£ o’clock of 
the preceding evening, Philadelphia at 10 o’clock P. M., 
Baltimore at 6 o’clock A. M., and Washington at 9 A. M. of 
the same day. 

Messages from the south received by mail at the telegraph 
office in Richmond, at 7 A. M. may be telegraphed to New- 
York one day in advance of the mail, and the answer tele¬ 
graphed back to Richmond so as to overtake the preceding 
day's mail, thereby gaining another day. In like manner, two 
business days may be gained in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and 


TELEGRAPH PRICES. 


231 


Washington, and four or five days between the Southern ci¬ 
ties and Boston. 

Packages of letters will be made up at the post-offices in 
New Orleans, Mobile, Charleston, &c. for the telegraph 
office, Richmond, and be transmitted to that station by mail, 
and thence to Philadelphia, New-York, &c. by telegraph. 

The Southern Telegraph has been completed 70 miles be¬ 
yond and 20 miles this side of Mobile ; and 28 miles are 
also finished from New Orleans to the Regolets. The line 
between New Orleans and Mobile was to be in operation 
early in August, 1847. 

About 2250 miles of telegraph are already finished and 
in operation, and 5000 miles more under contract to be com 
pleted within a year. The Great Central Line of Telegraph, 
now constructing between the Eastern and Western States, 
was to be ready as far west as Cincinnati, in August, and 
the Lake Erie Telegraph was to be in operation at Cleve¬ 
land about the same time. The materials for telegraphic 
communication between Detroit, Chicago, and Milwavkie , 
are purchased, and the line will soon be established. These 
places, as well as St. Louis, will soon be brought into con¬ 
nection with the cities of the Atlantic seaboard. The 
southern lines are advancing rapidly, and it is expected that 
in a few months there will be a communication between 
Portland and New Orleans, making a continuous chain of 
some 2000 miles. 


TELEGRAPH PRICES. 

All communications are strictly confidential. 

Prices of the New-York and Boston Telegraph. 

From Boston, or from New-York, to Worcester, Spring- 
field, Hartford, or New Haven, or from either station inter¬ 
mediate of Boston and New-York, to any other station of 
the line, 25 cts., for the first Ten Words or Numbers, exclu¬ 
sive of address and signature ; and Two Cents for every ad¬ 
ditional word or number. From Boston to New-York, or 
New-York to Boston, Fifty Cents for the first Ten Words , 
or Numbers, and Three Cents for every additional word, or 
number. 


•232 


APPENDIX. 


Prices of the New-York and Buffalo Telegraph Line. 


NUMBER OF WORDS. 


New-York to 


15 1 

20 

30 | 40 

50 

60 

70 

80 

90 

100 

Poughkeepsie, ) 

Hudson, . . i 

Albany, . . I 

Troy, ' ... \ 

$.25 

35 

55 75 

95 

1 15 

1 35 

1 55 

1 75 

1 95 

Utica, . . . 

Rome, . . 

Syracuse . . 

Auburn, . . 


35 

50 

801 10 

1 40 

1 70 

2 00 

2 30 

2 60 

2 90 

Geneva, . . 

Rochester, . . 

Buffalo, . . 

Ithaca, . . 


50 

70 

1 101 50 

1 90 

2 30 

2 70 

3 10 

3 50 

3 90 

Oswego, . . 

Lockport, . . * 


75 

1 05 

1 65 2 25 

2 85 

3 45 

4 05 

4 65 

5 25 

5 85 


Prices of Canada Junction Line, and Toronto Line, Canada. 

Irom Buffalo to Lockport or Queenston, 35 cts. for the 
fiist fifteen Words, from Buffalo to St. Catharine, Cana¬ 
da, 35 cts. do. From Buffalo to Hamilton or Toronto, 50 
cts. do. 

for each additional Five Words, or under, to either of the 
above stations, Ten Cents. 


Prices of the Philadelphia and Pittsburg Telegraph Line. 


NUMBER OF WORDS. 


r rum 

Philadelphia to 

10 

20 

30 

40 

50 

60 

70 

© 

00 

90 

too 

Lancaster, 

20 

40 

60 

80 

1 00 

1 20 

1 40 

1 60 

1 80 

2 00 

Harrisburg, 

25 

50 

75 

1 00 

1 25 

1 50 

1 75 

2 00 

2 25 

2 50 

Chambersburg, 

30 

60 

90 

1 20 

1 50 

1 80 

2 10 

2 40 

2 70 

3 00 


Pittsburg 50 cts. loi the first fifteen TVords or less, and the same for every 
additional Fifteen Words. 





































































MONEY, 


233 


Prices of the New-York and Washington Telegraph Line. 


For every Ten Words, not exceeding One Hundred, ex¬ 
clusive of the address and directions, 


From New-York to 


f Philadelphia, 25 cents. 
J Wilmington, 35 “ 

1 Baltimore, 50 “ 
t Washington, 50 “ 

C Wilmington, 10 “ 

< Baltimore, 25 ,( 


From Philadelphia to 

( Washington, 25 
_ TTrM . A { Baltimore, 20 

From Wilmington to j Washington, 25 

From Baltimore to Washington, 10 


When a communication exceeds that number, the price on 
all words exceeding One Hundred, will be reduced One 
Third. 

Communications destined for any place beyond the termi¬ 
nation of the Telegraph, will be faithfully written out at the 
last station and put into the Mail. 

All communications must be pre-paid at the Station from 
which they are transmitted respectively. 


MONEY. 

Value of the Coins of Different Nations. 


AMERICAN. 

Eagles, (since 1833,) (of gold) 
Half Eagles “ 

Q,r. Eagles “ . 

Eagles, old, (before 1834,) 

Half Eagles, old, “ 

Q.r. Eagles, “ “ 

A Dollar, (of silver,) 

A Half “ . 

A Quarter “ 

A Dime “ 

Half-Dime 


$ 10.00 

5.00 

2.50 

. 10.10 

5.25 

2.62 

10 dimes, or 100 cents 
5 “ 50 “ 

2X “ 25 “ 

10 cents 
5 


In New England, the dollar is divided into six shillings— 
thus; 6£ cents, is called fourpence; 8 cents, sixpence; 12;$ 


234 


APPENDIX. 


cents, ninepence; 16§ cents, a shilling; 18| cents, three 
fvurpences; 50 cents, three shillings ; 62^ cents, three and 
ninepence; 87^ cents, Jive and threepence. In New-York 
the 12^ and Gf cent pieces, are called shilling ^ and six¬ 
pences; in Philadelphia frequently, levies and j dps; in the 
Southern States, a bit and picayune, and are taken for the 
same as ten cent and five cent pieces. 


ENGLISH. 

^Sovereigns of all dates, 5 dvvt. 3 grs. $4.83 
Half Sov’s “ 2 “ 13 “ 2.41 

Guineas “ 5 “ 7 “ 5.00 

English Gold, per act of Congress, of March 3, 1843, is a legal tender of 
92 cents, 6 mills, per dvvt. 

* The dragoon sovereigns, so called, are worth only $4.80. 


FRENCH. 

Napoleons, (20 franc) of all dates, 4 dvvt. 3 grs. $3 82 
2 Napoleons, (40 franc) “ 8 “ 6 “ 7.66 

Louis d‘Or “ 4 20 “ 4.50 

French Gold, per act of Congress, of March 3, 1843, is a legal tender at 
92 cents, 9 mills, per dvvt. 


SPANISH. 

^Doubloons, all dates, 17 dvvt. 3 grs. $15.75 

Half “ “ 8 “ 16 “ 7.75 

Q,r, “ “ 4 “ 8 “ 3.90 

E’th “ ■* 2 “ 4 “ 1.87 

Spanish Gold, per act of Congress, of March 3, 1843, is a legal tender at 
89 cents, 9 mills, per dvvt. 


MEXICAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN. 

*Doubloons, all dates, 17 dvvt. 8 grs. $15.60 

Half “ “ 8 “ 16 “ 7.70 

Qr. “ “ 4 “ 8 “ 3.87 

E’th “ “ 2 “ 4 “ ].87 

Mexican and South American Gold, per act of Congress, of March 3 
1843, is a legal tender at 89 cents, 9 mills, per dwt. 

* Many doubloons and parts of doubloons are light, and consequently 
not saleable. A doubloon should weigh the same as a good dollar or two 
half dollars. • ’ 


mon£y. 


235 


SILVER com. 


Spanish pillar dollars, unblemished 
Spanish halves, quarters, &c 
Mexican dollars .... 

Five frane pieces 
Two francs 35c., and one franc 
English Crown $1.15, half Crown 
English shillings (sixpences in proportion) 23c. 
Thalers ..... 66c. 

Pistorines, (head,) .... 18c. 

Pistorines, (cross,) . . . 16c. 


2 per cent premium, 
par, a X dsicount. 

% a ^premium. 
93c. 

17c. 

57c. 


PROMISCUOUS COINS. 

Ten Thalers, all dates ... 8 dwt. 10 grs. $7.80 

Frederick d’Or, Denmark or Prussia . . 4 “ 5 “ 3.90 

Double “ “ . . 8 “ 10 “ 7.80 

10 Guilder, (shillings in proportion) . . 4 “ 7 “ 4.00 

♦Johannes, J. V. (do.) . . . 18 “ 7 “ 17.00 

Moidore, Brazilian . . . . 5 “ 4 “ 4.87 

Ducat, Netherlands, Denmark, Prussia, &c. 2 “ 5 “ 2 20 

Crown, Portugal, Maria II. . . 6 “ 4 “ 5 80 

Zervonitz, Russia.2 “ 2 “ 2.00 

Xeriff, Turkey . . . . . 2 “ 7 “ 2 30 

Pistole, Italy.3 “ 11 “ 3.25 

* Most of the Johannes and half Joes now in circulation are light. 
They should be taken at the rate of 80 cents for weight of a 5 cent piece. 


Travellers who may suggest any corrections or additions, the result 
of personal observations, and written down, not from memory, but on the 
spot, will confer a great obligation on the Editor by addressing him under 
cover to the publishers, and thus serve to render this volume at all times a 
faultless guide to travellers. 


C 125 






























































































% ^ C U • < U^J>. °o 

* ^ 6* • ■ 

* A - 

f + • 





• A V ^ O 

' ♦ A v <$» 

• <A 

Ay o «• » * ~ <$ 

/T ♦* 

*. ’’o >* .' 


o 

% IV r ^ Y/ ' // / l/ y" a 

o s ,'-€SSlr<& * 
MO-' * 

v ***** 

> a^' *V\^Pa c '^y* ^ 

* ** ^ o 

A V 

* % *f> 




V % cVo’ o 

,o‘ * 4 ; * % v* v % 
A *VQKV« ^ aA < 

VC * 



* - 

<V 'o'. A* , 6 ^ ^ 

4 V „».»*- <£. Q» e. 0 w ° -» . 

A .♦ _ /*<n- * *f> (, v % 






> r v <K •. 

•>* V) d* * cy O - •» 

«n' A 0 4 '®«o 9 ^ O ♦•ii* a 

vv si.^'- ^ v •:’°* c\ A o v 








* j-S tfv 

•> 'Cj> * 

* VS # « ,4/ - 

<\ *"° • i * «G^ c 

«•' * • ^ .Or c 0 " • * "*b 

* Vv> 0 , r l sSJ\\V^''„ V* 

* %a c. * 

O . *■ " <0 T*. 

* A ^ O _0 ri» *V 

0*0°^ O * 0 , 1 • a 0 * o « 0 * C 

% *•«. 'cv .0 ,>V v •> V s 

u° <*o & * ^ 

* c v \ ■ 

*< 7 ;’;>' a <■. V' C 

0 w ° -» jA # t • * 4 '&* r\ v G o» « 4 ^ 



❖ 

VA v 



l*^ vV^wr^ 


• C'. 





* 

* 


'V -jmm . 4 * %. °o 

0 o A *-o.» 

o 




, - x. >° Sp °* 

* (\j Aa >> y^5\m AV 

A 0 >. ***<>’ 

o . > ’VI'-. "> \> , • - - 



'. v* v • 





,, +#% 



.*•'■•* </ °*. *--• a 0 V 

^ v v * y#o - o. «<y »»•*% V- 

* < j-. /C& v <■> «% 


% A 


V * 1 ’ °- c\ 

^„❖* »i 

V^V “vP V ® 

^'V ".IliiPr ° x a^*V o 
.** ** -NI5?** A v ^ .. 

^ v bf ' • • 5 s <*Jk *<> • » * .0 

o°^ 8 » ' o, -A^ ^ -0^ &° *° * 




°, ^ 9 s 


<* '••A* <0 

• 1 ' * ♦ ^ q^ & °" 0 * ^o 

Sme/T???-, * rr 0 • 

- ^ 0 < ' 


* ^ *<? 


• * s * /V 



bookbinding if 

f~.r:»r'f\ .,' C. D ^ If 


<V , i * * 

o J** t* ♦ 
a <N ♦ 

- ^ v 

• Or • 

* Q *A 

* r ^ * . 

N.‘-- T V V-- v 

• o„ *o. .O v . 5 • • , v> 

A'fc’ 4 ^ 




«£. a* .>w v ,-r .vs©**. t,. .& 






























































